Healthy Homes

Environmental Health Watch believes that everyone should have a right to a healthy home. Our historical work coined the term Healthy Home, something now defined by a set of Principles used by Housing and Urban Development and the National Center for Healthy Housing. The EHW Healthy Homes Programming works to assess, develop a plan of action, and mitigate home health risks in Cleveland and includes our core Healthy Homes Assessments program.

Areas of Focus

  • Dry homes are protected from accumulation of indoor moisture from weather events and humidity. Damp environments make it easier for molds and mildews to thrive, which can increase the risk of Asthma and other respiratory issues. Dry homes are also more resistant to structural damage, leading to longer term safety and lower cost of repairs. 

  • A clean home is more than just decluttered. All homes should be free from hazardous materials like lead, carbon monoxide and asbestos. Homes should also be free from dirt & germs and have access to proper waste management to help keep air fresh and clean. Presence of contaminants on surfaces and in air can raise the risk of preventable diseases and health concerns.

  • Pests like rodents and cockroaches are generally unsanitary, but can also spread disease, and sometimes indicate a poorly sealed house. All residents deserve to live somewhere free of pest infestation. 

  • Cleveland families should have access to ventilated and fresh air to help reduce contaminants, supporting better indoor air quality and physical wellbeing. Proper ventilation and clean air inside the house can mitigate the risk of respiratory issues.

  • Cleveland families should have the necessary education and tools for reducing or eliminating fall, burn, and trip hazards from broken stairs to exposed wires. Elderly residents and children are especially at risk from in-home hazards.

  • Cleveland families are free to live in homes that are well maintained, not deteriorating or dilapidated. Poorly maintained homes can increase the risk of hazards from weather, pests, and contamination, as well as slip, trip, and fall related injury.

  • Cleveland families should be able to have clean, affordable energy in their homes to keep them cool during the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the risk of weather related illnesses like heat stroke or hypothermia. 

  • Cleveland families should be able to live in homes that have advanced adjustments for every range in ability. We believe in aging in place and that disabilities should not disqualify anyone from being able to live in a healthy home in their community of choice. 

  • Cleveland families have access to homes meeting all healthy homes principles at a cost affordable to them without having to leave their community or sacrifice the health of their homes and bodies.

  • Healthy Homes Assessment Services

    Working with identified partners, we offer assessment services as a fee-for-service program in addition to subsidized visits for low-income residents.

  • Lead Safe Resource Center

    As the operational center of our community’s lead poisoning prevention efforts, the Lead Safe Resource Center provides outreach, education, and training.

    Learn More

  • Stu Greenberg Legacy Project

    EHW and partners are working on a Deep Green Double Pilot to scale our Deep Green and Healthy research project completed in 2015. Our mitigation strategy addresses the intersection of climate, affordability, indoor air quality, home ownership, and energy efficiency. Follow along here, on social media, and our newsletter for updates!

Contact

Need help, have a question, or simply want to get involved? Submit the form below to speak with the team at EHW.