Access to Safe and Affordable Housing

Every individual has the right to safe, decent and affordable housing. Yet, women face disproportionate housing struggles in the U.S. For many women, having housing security isn’t just about shelter – it underpins personal safety, independence, and economic security.  

Lack of access to safe and affordable housing results in housing insecurity. Housing insecurity can be caused by several factors, such as job instability or loss of income (see Women Experiencing Poverty), a health emergency (see Consistent Primary Care), unexpected expenses, lack of suitable local housing options, history of eviction or incarceration (see Female Incarceration), poor credit, and more. Oklahoma has consistently been in the top ten states for rates of residents facing eviction, another driver of housing insecurity.

Women in adverse living situations often develop severe negative health outcomes as a result of their surroundings. Unhealthy conditions in substandard housing, including the presence of lead, radon gas, carbon monoxide, mold, pests, and poor temperature control have implications for the physical health of residents. Women in these units are more likely to develop cancer, chronic illness, skin problems, asthma, and other respiratory issues.  

Beyond physical health, adverse living situations lead to acute or chronic mental distress (see Frequent Mental Distress). People that experience housing instability are more likely to develop depression or anxiety (see Depression and Anxiety). Further, it was found that individuals evicted from their homes were more likely to visit the emergency room or require hospitalization for a mental health condition in the two years following their eviction, compared to those who were not (see Access to Mental Health Services).

Pregnant women are uniquely vulnerable to effects of housing instability, as pregnancy is a time where physical and emotional stability is important to strengthen birth outcomes. Housing instability and homelessness during pregnancy is significantly associated with preterm birth (see Preterm Births), NICU admission, delivery complications, and inadequate prenatal or postpartum care (see Adequate Prenatal Care). 

Safe and accessible housing is vital for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse (see Sexual Violence & Intimate Partner Violence), which is a primary driver of homelessness for women and children. 38% of domestic violence victims become homeless at some point in their lifetime, yet they face barriers accessing stable housing. Equitable housing policies have life-changing implications for victims: folks that receive a housing voucher are one-third less likely to experience domestic violence, and survivors of domestic violence are more likely to leave their partner after receiving a housing subsidy.

Economic insecurity and housing policies shape who has access to safe housing. Low-income or disabled individuals, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to experience housing discrimination.

Due to continued rising rents and low wages, most people are more likely to spend a large percentage of their income on housing. A worker making minimum wage today cannot afford a two-bedroom apartment in any U.S. state. Oklahoma has the 42nd highest housing range in the nation, meaning that an individual must earn at least $20.98/hour or work 116 hours per week at minimum wage to afford a two bedroom apartment in Oklahoma.