HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Dec. 21, 2023) – A study out of Princeton University has found a link between paying unaffordable rent and dying sooner.
Researchers, working with U.S. Census data, discovered that people who paid 50 percent of their income on rent were nine percent more likely to die over the next 20 years than people who paid 30 percent toward rent, while those who shelled out 70 percent of their income to landlords were 12 percent more likely to die sooner. The Princeton team says unaffordable rent causes people to cut back on other essential spending, like food, medicine and doctors’ visits which can impact health outcomes.
This news comes as Thursday is national Homeless Persons Memorial Day, coming on the Winter Solstice, which is the longest night of the year. Nonprofits that support unhoused individuals, such as Community Action House in Holland, recognize those in their communities who died while experiencing homelessness in the last year. A four-minute moment of silence will take place at 12 Noon in the CAH Food Club & Opportunity Hub (739 Paw Paw Dr.), along with an open house-style memorial outside of the building from 5-7 PM, which includes a 5:15 PM candlelight commemoration.
“We envision a community where all our neighbors have what they need to thrive, and no one faces challenges alone. December 21st is a stark reminder that this vision is not yet reality. We have big long term goals to more fully realize this vision, in partnership with our community. But at moments like this it is right to sit together in mourning for the loss of these neighbors, to sit with this present reality, and to feel deep discomfort with the struggle and danger that exists for far too many as we head into another winter.” – Scott Rumpsa, Community Action House CEO
According to CAH officials, their Outreach Team is currently assisting 258 “unhoused individuals” in the Holland/Zeeland area.
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