The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) reports the physical conditions of housing in the U. S., in its study of 46 metropolitan areas, has declined since the last report in 2009. The study reveals 35 million, about 40 percent of metropolitan homes, have one or more health and safety measures, up from 30 million homes, 35 percent four years ago. As sacbee.com informs us, the State of Healthy Housing says the housing bubble and subsequent foreclosed homes that sometimes became blighted may have contributed to the decline. Nicolas P. Retsinas, director emeritus of Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, says, “The report documents that healthy homes remain elusive for far too many homeowners, renters and their children. The findings in this report should motivate government, business and nonprofit leaders to come together to ensure that all families have a decent place to live.” The metropolitan areas of San Jose, Calif., Indianapolis, Ind., and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Fla. rank at the top of the list for having the healthiest housing. At the bottom are San Antonio, Texas, Birmingham, Alabama, and Memphis, Tennessee. NCCH rates housing on the basis of 20 safety and health characteristics including evidence of rodents; faulty heating, electrical, and plumbing systems; moisture problems, and poorly maintained building elements. “No matter where you live, people should have access to a safe and healthy home,” says Maurice Jones, HUD’s Deputy Secretary, as MHProNews has learned.
