PENNSYLVANIA, August 27 - Statewide shortage of 253,981 rental homes that are both

affordable and available to people at or below 30% of median

family income, often leading to homelessness; and

WHEREAS, People experiencing homelessness are more likely to

have health problems than those who are well-housed; and

WHEREAS, Inadequate nutrition and medical care are associated

with the lack of access to affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, Residents of highly impoverished, unsafe

neighborhoods have an increased likelihood of adverse physical

and mental health effects; and

WHEREAS, Substandard housing propagates infectious diseases

through contaminated water, poor waste disposal systems and

unsanitary conditions; and

WHEREAS, Substandard housing increases the risk of burns and

other injuries from exposed or unconventional heating sources,

unguarded windows and sills, broken glass, obsolete fixtures and

other hazards; and

WHEREAS, Children and senior citizens are particularly

vulnerable to the health effects of substandard housing; and

WHEREAS, More than 1,300 elderly Pennsylvanians have died

from accidental falls in unsafe houses; and

WHEREAS, Dampness, unfiltered air, poor ventilation, a lack

of heat and unclean or unsafe flooring contribute to respiratory

and pulmonary conditions, including asthma; and

WHEREAS, Homes that are poorly weatherized or lack adequate

utility service can contribute to ill health; and

WHEREAS, Statewide, 40% of the houses tested for radon have

high levels of the carcinogenic gas; and

WHEREAS, Older houses are a source of childhood lead exposure

and lead poisoning; and

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