Whānau Voices: Navigating Housing Insecurity as a Key Determinant of Health
- chanelle25
- Oct 21
- 3 min read
Housing goes beyond being just a place to live; it profoundly influences our health. The environment in which we dwell can shape our physical and mental well-being in significant ways. Recently, during our whānau wānanga, we explored in-depth the realities of whānau facing housing insecurity or sleeping rough. This work, while challenging, has sparked a strong sense of urgency and purpose in our efforts.
Understanding the experiences of whānau is essential when tackling the complexities of housing insecurity. Their stories provide us with valuable insights that can direct our actions and policies. By listening to their accounts, we can better grasp the challenges they encounter and consider solutions to ease their difficulties.
The Impact of Housing on Health
Research shows a direct correlation between housing conditions and health outcomes. For instance, poor housing can result in issues such as respiratory diseases, mental health disorders, and a higher risk of chronic illnesses. A study by the World Health Organization indicates that individuals in inadequate housing are more than 30% likely to experience serious mental health issues.
In our wānanga, we have heard personal accounts illustrating how unstable housing affects every aspect of your hauora - mental, physical, spiritual and whānau connections. One participant described feeling constant anxiety about their living situation, stating it "was exhausting to constantly be thinking about where to sleep and how to survive until tomorrow." Another shared how housing instability led to depression, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change to address housing insecurity as a public health concern.
Whānau Voices: The Heart of Our Mahi
The voices of whānau serve as our guiding force in this journey. Each story shared during the wānanga reveals unique challenges faced by individuals and families. These are not just figures; they represent real experiences calling for our attention and action.
By prioritising whānau voices in our work, we ground our approach in the realities of those most affected. Their insights help to identify gaps in services and guide the development of targeted interventions. Listening to whānau is not merely a step in our process; it is the essence of our mahi.
Audio Narratives: A Window into Reality
To amplify the voices of whānau, we have recorded their narratives during our wānanga. These audio recordings offer powerful insights into their lived experiences. Listening to these stories fosters empathy and understanding, helping bridge the gap between those who have stable housing and those who do not.
By sharing these narratives, we aim to raise awareness of the realities surrounding housing insecurity and inspire action within our communities. Each voice carries essential messages that deserve to be heard and considered.
Taking Action Together
The path toward addressing housing insecurity is ongoing and requires the collective efforts of everyone. By focusing on whānau voices in our work, we can tackle the complexities of this issue and advocate for impactful change.
As we continue our mahi, we encourage you to listen to the recorded narratives of whānau who have courageously shared their stories. Their experiences serve as a powerful reminder of why this work is urgent and why we must prioritize housing as a critical determinant of health.
Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Let us honour the voices of whānau and commit to making a meaningful difference in our communities.
Comments