— by Jennifer Lewis, Commissioner for the Summit County Housing Authority. February 2026.
Quality of life (QOL): it's not for just a few. It's a fundamental right for everyone. Quality of life means that you are safe and secure. That you have access to shelter, running water, food, and warmth.
People are complex, and we all measure our own happiness and safety in different ways. Your health, financial status, social relationships, personal goals, and even the state of the world play a role in your quality of life. While there are some things in your control, the role of public policy in either improving or worsening general quality of life cannot be denied.
The Summit County Housing Authority has a mission to address housing affordability. Availability, cost, and quality of housing have an indisputable effect on the quality of life one can enjoy.
Definition
Quality of life is defined by the World Health Organization as “an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns”.
That means QOL encompasses both subjective well-being — such as happiness and life satisfaction — and objective conditions, including health, wealth, education, and social security. QOL is multidimensional, covering emotional, physical, material, and social aspects of life.
How Housing & QOL Intersect
Those experiencing long-term housing affordability stress report significant negative effects on mental health related to social, emotional, and mental functioning. The eviction process has also been found to have serious mental health repercussions on renters.
Additionally, the high cost of housing can leave little room for other essential expenses such as food, healthcare, education, and transportation. This not only affects individual households but also has broader economic implications.
Affordable housing fosters community cohesion and social integration. Unaffordable housing can lead to social fragmentation and increased community tensions. The lack of affordable housing disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including minorities, low-income families, and those with disabilities. Inequality perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limits opportunities for upward mobility.
Why Prioritize Affordable Housing
The struggle for affordable housing is not just a policy issue — it's a human rights issue. It's about dignity, equality, and the fundamental right to have a safe and stable place to live.
Empathy is a crucial element in the design and management of affordable housing. It involves understanding and sharing the feelings of individuals experiencing homelessness, which can be a single father, a woman who offers help, or any other person in need. By fostering empathy, we can create a supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges faced by those in need. This approach not only helps in providing immediate assistance but also in building a sense of community and support that can last a lifetime.
Building People, Not Just Homes
As we grapple with this crisis, we must recognize the interconnectedness of housing with other aspects of social justice, including racial equality, economic empowerment, and community well-being. It's time to advocate for housing equity, invest in sustainable solutions, and ensure everyone has access to the opportunities and stability that come with a place to call home.
The question we must all ask ourselves is not just how we can solve the housing crisis but how we can build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The answer lies in our collective commitment to justice, compassion, and the belief that housing is a right, not a privilege.