HOUSING IS HEALTHCARE

On November 11, the Institute for the Advancement of Community Health (IACH) hosted Housing is Healthcare, the latest installment of our Community Health Conversations series. Held at the Crescent Innovation District, the event brought together local leaders and residents for an evening of connection, learning, and urgent conversation around one of the most critical foundations of health: housing.

A safe and stable home is more than just shelter. It’s a key determinant of physical and mental health, long-term stability, and individual dignity. This event explored the deep and complex links between housing access, health outcomes, and community well-being—and highlighted how collaboration across sectors can help drive meaningful, lasting change.

Panel Highlights

Moderated by Dr. Kerry Sease (IACH), the conversation featured insight from:

• Lizzie Bebber, United Ministries

• Mark Fessler, J.D., South Carolina Legal Services

• Dr. Anna Cass, Health Sciences Department, Furman University

• Jason Evans, Healthcare for the Homeless, New Horizon Family Health Services

Executive Summary Highlights

Panelists discussed how housing instability intersects with poverty, health disparities, and systemic barriers, making it one of the most pressing public health challenges in our community. Key takeaways included the importance of personalized advocacy, legal interventions to prevent eviction, and long-term community investment in housing stability and connection.

Panelists also shared a collective vision: a community where everyone has access to safe and stable housing, feels supported and connected, and has the opportunity to recover from setbacks.

📄 Read the full executive summary here: