Since 2022, nonprofit United for Brownsville’s Community Action for Healthy Homes (CAHH) has dramatically improved the lives and health of neighborhood residents with no-cost home repairs. Through a partnership with UnitedHealthcare, we now have health data to back up the 97% satisfaction rate and touching testimonials of 1,000 individuals across 260 households. CAHH’s per-unit cost is comparable to an ER visit, yet it tackles critical issues in a community with high rates of home hazards (71% of units), NYC’s highest foreclosure rate, and the NYC’’s lowest life expectancy.
CAHH accepts referrals from neighborhood health partners and utilizes trusted teams of residents to visit clients, conduct comprehensive surveys of over 80 health-linked housing conditions, and order repairs from local vendors. The impact of CAHH goes beyond simply fixing homes; it dramatically improves the health and well-being of residents and has shown statistically significant improvements in physician visits, ER visits, prescriptions, and pulmonary care. These results highlight the direct link between home conditions and health outcomes, demonstrating that investing in home repairs is also an investment in healthcare and resident well-being. As one CAHH participant noted, “My daughter has not been hospitalized for her asthma since CAHH came to do repairs and fixed the mold issue in my home.” This powerful testimony underscores the real, life-changing impact of the program.
CAHH’s approach is inspired by Healthabitat‘s successful model in Australia, which demonstrated a 40% reduction in hospital admissions through rapid repairs to public housing. CAHH targets the most cost-effective and impactful fixes, addressing issues like broken windows, damaged insulation, faulty plumbing and electrical systems, and structural repairs. For an average of $2,600 in survey and repair costs per home, CAHH provides benefits far exceeding the investment. This cost is comparable to just one emergency room visit, yet it provides long-term improvements to residents’ living conditions. As another participant shared, “I feel very comfortable and safe. I am not worried and concerned anymore… The electrician was very thorough and fixed it all.” These testimonials illustrate how CAHH repairs not only fix physical issues but also restore peace of mind and a sense of security.
The program’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of many others. We are grateful for the support of Enterprise Community Partners, Robin Hood Foundation, and UnitedHealthcare, whose contributions have been instrumental in launching and sustaining CAHH. Additionally, our collaborations with One Brooklyn Health and BMS Health and Wellness Centers has been invaluable in reaching and serving community members effectively.
UB sees an opportunity to greatly expand CAHH and address pervasive but unmet needs among low and moderate income families in Brooklyn. We are seeking investments from healthcare payers, private foundations, and public funds to position CAHH to scale and to become sustainable through channels such as the Medicaid 1115 waiver, ensuring the program’s long-term viability.
CAHH is more than just a repair program; it is a lifeline for families struggling with unsafe housing conditions. The program’s impact on health, financial stability, and overall well-being makes it a vital investment. By building on the foundations we have laid throughout the first years of CAHH, UB and our partners will continue to address root causes of health and housing instability, empowering residents to live healthier, more stable lives for years to come.
