Housing is Health Program Analysis Featured in Wisconsin Policy Forum Report
Today, the Wisconsin Policy Forum released a report, Healthy Investment; How Health Care Stakeholders Are Linking Housing with Health, that offers an in-depth analysis of the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership (MHCP) Housing is Health Program within the context of the broader landscape of health care-sponsored housing initiatives in Milwaukee County and nationwide. The report calls attention to the program’s significant impact – while outlining the challenges and associated opportunities that persist.
Key findings include:
- Housing is Health was created in 2019 by MHCP members in collaboration with IMPACT Coordinated Entry and Milwaukee County Housing Services to identify individuals who are in immediate need of housing assistance when they enter health care settings and connect them with supports to achieve housing stability. The program made 653 referrals to housing support agencies in 2022, with 142 of those individuals receiving an initial permanent housing placement.
- Several health insurers and specialty providers in Milwaukee County similarly are investing in housing supports for their patients and members. Core elements include systematic screening and assessment; knowledgeable and well-connected housing navigators; flexible financial supports for housing needs; and collaborative communication and partnerships.
- Greater coordination and collaboration among all of these health care stakeholders in areas such as data collection and standardization of practices may be beneficial in improving and expanding their housing strategies. In addition, a collective effort to address gaps in the county’s larger affordable housing and homelessness prevention landscape should be considered.
Additional information about the MHCP Housing is Health Program:
- 2023 Program Brief
- 2022 Year-End Report
- **2023 Data to be released shortly
This report was co-authored by the Wisconsin Policy Forum and IMPACT Planning and Evaluation. It was commissioned and financially supported by the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership and also received support from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation.