We often talk about how recovery is a journey, not a destination. But what building blocks have to be in place for us to even take the first step on that journey? You might think about having a support system, being willing to ask for help and holding hope that recovery is possible.
All of those things are true. But what about having a roof over your head?
We know from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs that we first need to meet our basic needs for survival – things like food, water and shelter – before we can meet our needs for safety, belonging, self-esteem and self-actualization. The instability and uncertainty associated with housing insecurity can heighten our levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. That instability can put recovery out of reach.
In Wyandotte County, the average life expectancy varies by 20 years, depending on where you live. That is due in part to the shortage of safe, affordable housing units in our community. When we talk about affordable housing, that means that someone is putting no more than 30 percent of their income toward their rent or mortgage. Currently, the fair market rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in downtown Kansas City, Kansas is $1,002 per month. That is unattainable for many people. Consider someone who is living on disability income. They receive just over $900 per month. What safe, affordable housing options do they have?
Too many people in Wyandotte County are living with either the stress of roughly half of their income going toward housing expenses or the stress of being homeless. We also have individuals who are being discharged into homelessness following inpatient psychiatric care. We must do better. Housing is stability. And stability is necessary for recovery. When you do not have a stable living environment, that can disrupt your routines, your connections to your support system and access to the resources and treatment needed for recovery.
A number of Wyandotte County organizations are working together to develop a long-term housing strategy for those who are low income, houseless and/or living with a behavioral health challenge. As in Bergen County, New Jersey, where chronic homelessness has been eradicated, we believe that Wyandotte County can achieve functional zero homelessness.