Pioneering Better Health Through Housing Preservation

For decades, experts have recognized that there is a direct connection between our environment and well-being. In fact, even something as seemingly arbitrary as our  zip code can significantly influence our health outcomes—sometimes more so than our genetic code. At Hudson Valley Property Group (HVPG), these concepts play a critical role in our mission to enhance the long-term health of the communities we invest in through strategic housing preservation and improvement.

Studies and initiatives worldwide, including insights from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasize the necessity of healthy housing as a foundation for good health. Poor housing conditions—a mixture of economic hardships and neighborhood shortcomings—have been linked to a plethora of health issues. These range from increased mental health struggles to heightened risks of infectious diseases, exacerbated by factors like mold, inadequate ventilation, and exposure to toxic substances.

Conversely, good quality housing can bolster physical and mental health, enhance stability, and provide a foundation for a thriving life. Affordable, secure housing is more than just a shelter; it’s a vital component in reducing healthcare costs and promoting equity in communities across the country.

At HVPG, we recognize the myriad ways in which the living environment impacts health. We are focused on implementing several key improvements to foster healthier communities:

• Enhanced Access to Healthcare: Through partnerships with esteemed institutions like Johns Hopkins and the installation of free Wi-Fi throughout our portfolio, we are expanding access to telemedicine and other healthcare services directly within our properties.

• Quality Nutrition and Water: We are introducing water quality enhancements and nutritious meal programs, particularly benefiting our senior residents who may face mobility-related challenges.

• Community and Connectivity: By increasing programming and community-building activities like holiday meals, games and celebrations we're strengthening the social ties that are essential for mental health.

• Educational Opportunities: Access to online education platforms ensures that our residents can continue learning and developing skills without leaving their homes.

• Safe, Inviting Spaces: From playgrounds to communal gardens, our developments are designed to promote physical activity and social interaction in a safe setting.

There are many economic arguments for investing in quality housing. Not only do residents prefer living in well-equipped environments, but such settings also reduce long-term public healthcare costs.

These strategies also help create real long-term real estate value. Within subsidized affordable housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has recognized some of these health-focused enhancements as amenities that allow for increased rental subsidies during mark-up to market (a process by which rental contracts are adjusted for current market value of the rental unit). The additional rental subsidies provide economic incentives for private developers to make such improvements. It makes sense that properties that help residents live longer, better lives will be valued more in the marketplace.

As we look to the future, we are eager to foster public-private partnerships that not only yield financial returns but also continue to create these sustainable community benefits. By collaborating with government bodies, healthcare providers, and community organizations, we aim to pioneer innovative approaches that enhance the living standards and health of our residents  - creating tangible value for investors in the process.

The intersection of housing and health is an area where significant social impact can be achieved. By emphasizing our commitment to community-focused initiatives as part of our core platform, we at HVPG can continue to maximize both our investments and our impact on creating a better future for our residents and the world at-large.