ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how where people live shapes their quality of life, with emphasis on the links between housing and health, and housing and education. In Moving to Opportunity, one group of households was given housing vouchers that could be used only if they moved to places of opportunity; another group of households stayed in place in subsidized housing; and the third group of households were given vouchers to move to any location. In addition, families who have access to affordable, quality housing experience a greater feeling of stability, less stress, and fewer stress-related health issues. Physical and mental well-being are directly linked to one's exposure to crime. For victims of crime there is risk of injury, hospitalization, and death. Beyond the geographic definition of school districts, a family's access to stable, affordable housing has been linked to children's academic success.
