23 Feb New Research Confirms Housing is a Powerful Health Intervention for People Experiencing Homelessness
New research from the University of New England and Homes North Community Housing has confirmed what Homes North have long observed – housing is not just shelter, but a powerful health intervention that can dramatically transform lives.
The research, led by Dr Hebaat Onapa, Professor Chris Sharpley, Professor Vicki Bitsika and Homes North CEO Maree McKenzie, provides compelling evidence that stable housing leads to major improvements in both physical and mental health for people who have experienced homelessness in regional NSW.
Conducted across Armidale, Gunnedah, Inverell, Moree and Tamworth, the mixed-methods study explored the experiences of 48 Homes North tenants and found immediate, profound changes once people secured a safe place to live.
Researchers reported:
- Significant improvements in physical health, including reduced pain, better mobility and fewer limitations caused by chronic conditions.
- Dramatic decreases in anxiety and depression.
- The largest health gains among Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) survivors, particularly those supported through the Start Safely program.
- That quality of housing and support mattered more than how long tenants had been housed – underscoring the importance of trauma-informed, well-designed programs.
- Immediate benefits such as increased safety, improved nutrition, consistent access to healthcare, and reduced stress.
The findings reposition housing as essential public infrastructure – as fundamental to health and wellbeing as hospitals, water or energy. Rather than treating housing as a reactive social service, the researchers argue it should be seen as a proactive investment in community health.
Tenants who participated, described homelessness as profoundly damaging, contributing to poor nutrition, chronic stress, deteriorating physical conditions and severe mental distress. After being housed, they reported feeling safer, healthier and more connected. Access to community housing providers, case managers, neighbours and local services played a crucial role in their recovery and stability.
Key barriers to leaving homelessness included unaffordable private rentals, limited family support, restrictive rental policies such as no-pets clauses, and shame that prevented people from seeking help.
With stable housing, participants were better able to manage chronic illnesses, maintain medication routines, attend regular medical appointments, rebuild social networks and begin pathways toward work, study and personal wellbeing.
The research makes a clear case to policymakers – housing must be recognised as a critical social determinant of health.
To support healthier and more resilient communities, the research calls for:
- increased investment in social and affordable housing
- more flexible, trauma-informed program models, and
- streamlined access to services across regional NSW.
The evidence shows that housing saves lives, improves health and strengthens communities. We welcome the findings and reaffirm our commitment to delivering safe, secure and supportive homes that enable individuals and families to thrive.