Most Arizonans live in a neighborhood with easy access to fresh groceries, reliable public transportation, and high-performing schools without knowing just a very different reality faces their neighbors a mere 15-minute drive. A recent study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the VCU Center on Society and Health revealed a staggering 14-year gap in life expectancy between neighboring ZIP Codes. This stark disparity underscores a crucial truth: where we live has a profound impact on our overall health and well-being.
This phenomenon isn’t about genetics. It’s about the social determinants of health – the conditions in which we live, learn, work, and play. Factors like access to quality housing, healthy food, safe environments, and quality education play a significant role in shaping our health outcomes. In essence, your ZIP Code can become a health code, dictating the resources and opportunities available to you.
These aren’t simply social factors; they’re a complex web of influences that shape our health and well-being in ways often invisible to the naked eye.
The shocking difference in life expectancies across Phoenix metro ZIP Codes exposed by the study is not an isolated incident. It’s a symptom of a larger issue plaguing communities across the nation.
The Ripple Effect of Poverty
The consequences of concentrated poverty extend far beyond the physical living space. Limited access to quality education hinders future job prospects, leading to financial insecurity and increased stress. This stress, in turn, weakens the immune system and increases the risk of chronic health conditions. Children growing up in these environments may experience higher rates of asthma due to exposure to environmental toxins. Or they may suffer from developmental delays due to inadequate educational resources. These complications exacerbate struggles for survival as stressors and lack of opportunity erode social and societal safety nets, leading to increased criminal activity. Furthermore, living in an unsafe or high-crime area can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, further impacting overall well-being.
Threshold’s efforts in Maricopa County has resulted in a substantial increase in cities, ZIP Codes, and available units.
The Housing Disparity Trap
One of the most critical social determinants of health is access to quality housing. Imagine living in a neighborhood riddled with crime, with dilapidated housing offering little protection from the elements and exposure to environmental hazards. This scenario, sadly, is the reality for many residents concentrated in the lower-income ZIP Codes of metro Phoenix. These environments often lack access to fresh grocery stores. This can lead to a reliance on fast food options with detrimental health consequences. If reliable public transportation is scarce, it could be difficult to access healthcare facilities, educational opportunities, or even a good job somewhere else in the city. These issues create a vicious circle – poor housing environments limit opportunities for economic and social mobility, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and its negative health impacts.
This isn’t about individual choices; it’s about systemic inequalities that limit opportunities for those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
By addressing the social determinants of health, particularly access to quality housing, we can begin to eradicate poverty and empower individuals and families to lead healthier lives.
Enabling Mobility
At Threshold, we believe that access to quality housing is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of a healthy community. Recognizing the profound impact of ZIP Code on health outcomes, we’ve dedicated ourselves to breaking down geographic barriers and expanding the reach of affordable housing options. Through innovative partnerships and a sustained focus, we’re working to create a landscape where everyone in Arizona can live in a safe, decent, and affordable home, regardless of their ZIP Code.
“Our goal has been to more fully integrate our neighbors ending their experience with homelessness into neighborhoods where they are better setup for success. For some, that means being closer to their specialized health care or close family and social supports. Others benefit from easier access to higher paying entry-level or skilled employment opportunities. Many just want a fresh start for themselves and their children in a place they are happy to call home.” – Daniel Davis, Threshold.
A Network of Opportunity
At Threshold, we work with property owners and managers to provide housing opportunities for the homeless. We operate a unique closed Internet Listing System (ILS) specifically designed to connect voucher holders with available rental units. Our online platform, Padmission, serves as a central hub. It streamlines the search process, ensuring program participants have access to a wider range of housing options. Property owners and supportive service providers can list unoccupied units in our user-friendly system, allowing program participants to search for suitable housing based on location, rent amount, and program requirements. The Threshold team actively assists property owners and managers with the listing process. This ensures accurate and timely information is readily available for program participants.
This map shows the life expectancy of key ZIP Codes in the Phoenix metropolitan area. (Graphic courtesy of Virginia Commonwealth University Center on Society and Health)
Building Strong Partnerships
Our commitment to increasing access to affordable housing extends beyond the walls of our organization. We understand the importance of collaboration in tackling such a complex issue. Therefore, Threshold actively fosters partnerships with key stakeholders across the housing landscape in Arizona.
HOM, Inc.
HOM, Inc. is permanent supportive housing organization that brings more than 30 years of Phoenix rental expertise to the table. Their knowledge and experience are key in helping us navigate the complexities of the housing market and develop effective strategies for expanding our reach.
Arizona Multihousing Association
Partnering with this the Arizona Multihousing Association (AMA) allows us to connect with a broader network of property owners and operators across the state. By facilitating communication and collaboration, we encourage greater participation in programs that offer rental assistance vouchers.
National Investors and Independent Owners
We actively engage national investors, property owners outside established partner areas, independent operators, and brokerages. This diversification in partnerships allows us to expand the pool of available housing units beyond traditional boundaries.
REALTOR® Associations
Collaborating with REALTOR® associations taps into their expertise and opens doors to new opportunities. These partnerships create a stronger network for connecting program participants with suitable housing options.
A Shared Responsibility
Our vision extends beyond simply increasing the number of available units. We strive to create a win-win situation for all participants within the housing ecosystem.
Program Participants
By increasing the geographic footprint of available housing units, Threshold empowers program participants to choose residences closer to their place of work, support networks, and critical services. This improves their overall well-being and allows them to focus on achieving long-term goals.
Property Owners and Operators
Participation in programs facilitated by Threshold offers property owners and operators access to a wider pool of qualified renters. Additionally, Threshold offers Padmission, a user-friendly tool that simplifies the application and screening process, reducing administrative burdens for property managers. This partnership allows owners to maintain occupancy rates while contributing to a social good.
Service Providers
Threshold streamlines the process of finding suitable housing for program participants. This allows service providers to focus on delivering wraparound support services that enhance long-term stability and success.
“Clients come here very defeated,” said Yuritt Pasos, the director of housing at UMOM New Day Centers. “They’ve lost their own place. So, we need to restore power. We need to restore their right to choose where they want to live. Chances are, if they are comfortable with the area and the place they are living, they’re going to do whatever it takes to keep it.”
Inviting More Owners and Operators to the Table
By inviting more property owners and operators to participate in our programs, we have not only increased the number of available housing units but also enhanced the quality and diversity of options for tenants. This expanded participation has had a transformative impact on both tenants and the broader community.
Housing options across several ZIP Codes has resulted in an increase in opportunity score, the aggregate score for quality of life and life expectancy.
Increase in ZIP Codes and Cities
Through strategic outreach and partnership initiatives, Threshold has significantly expanded the geographic footprint of our housing programs. By actively engaging property owners and operators across Arizona, we have increased the number of participating ZIP Codes and cities. This expansion allows us to offer tenants a broader range of housing options in diverse neighborhoods, helping them find homes that best meet their needs and preferences.
Enhanced Opportunity Score
The Opportunity Score is a critical metric we use to evaluate the quality of housing options available to our tenants. This score takes into account various factors, including proximity to quality schools, access to public transportation, availability of fresh groceries, and overall neighborhood safety. By increasing the number of participating property owners and operators, we have been able to raise the Opportunity Score for many of our housing units. This improvement means that more tenants now have access to high-opportunity neighborhoods that support their long-term health, education, and economic outcomes.
Better Opportunities for Tenants
The influx of new property owners and operators into our programs has led to several key benefits for tenants:
Diverse Housing Options: With more properties listed on our platform, tenants can choose from a wider variety of housing options that better align with their personal and family needs.
Improved Living Conditions: The increased competition among property owners encourages higher standards of property maintenance and management, leading to better living conditions for tenants.
Access to Resources: Tenants benefit from living in neighborhoods with better access to essential resources like healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Greater Stability: By providing more housing choices in high-opportunity areas, tenants can achieve greater stability and a higher quality of life, reducing the likelihood of returning to homelessness.
The positive impact of inviting more property owners and operators to the table creates a virtuous cycle. As tenants experience better outcomes, the success stories attract even more property owners and operators to join our programs. This continuous growth allows us to further increase our reach and improve the quality of housing options available.
A Win-Win for Property Owners
Our approach isn’t just about securing housing for program participants, but also creating positive end results for property owners and operators. Participating in programs facilitated by Threshold allows owners to maintain occupancy rates while contributing to a socially responsible mission. Furthermore, by expanding access to quality housing across ZIP Codes, Threshold helps to stabilize rental markets and foster a stronger overall housing ecosystem in Arizona.
By offering residents access to safe and decent housing across various Arizona ZIP Codes, we contribute to the creation of healthier communities. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to live in a safe, decent, and affordable home, regardless of ZIP Code. By breaking down geographic barriers and increasing access to quality housing options, we aim to empower individuals and families to lead better lives and contribute to the overall well-being of our communities.
