At The Waterfront Project, we understand that the effects of childhood housing insecurity extend far beyond immediate physical needs, deeply impacting mental health into adulthood. A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlights a concerning link: children who experience housing insecurity are at a higher risk for long-term anxiety and depression.
Why is this important for us at The Waterfront Project? Because it underscores the profound importance of our eviction prevention and housing stabilization efforts. Every family we help, every eviction we prevent, is not just solving a present crisis but potentially averting a future of psychological challenges.
This study serves as a stark reminder that secure and stable housing during childhood is crucial. It is not merely about providing shelter but about fostering a stable environment that supports healthy mental and emotional development. Our work is geared towards protecting this stability, ensuring that children have the opportunity to grow in a secure and supportive home environment.
We at The Waterfront Project are committed to continuing our efforts in housing counseling and legal advocacy to prevent homelessness. We do this not only to address immediate needs but also to contribute to the long-term well-being of the communities we serve.
Let’s keep working together to ensure that no child has to face the undue mental health burdens that come with housing insecurity.
Together, we can build a future where every child grows up in a home that supports their health and happiness.
Carol Sainthilaire
Executive Director, The Waterfront Project, Inc.
For more detailed insights from the Harvard study, please click here.