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Domain: Housing The mission for housing: We will increase the number and availability of affordable housing units and increase resources, education, access, and integration of services for home ownership attainment. Establishing and maintaining a healthy environment is central to increasing quality of life and years of healthy life. Environmental factors are diverse and far reaching. Without proper assessment, correction and prevention, environmental factors may adversely affect the health of present and future generations. Having a secure, affordable home that is free of structural and environmental health issues such as mold or vermin is a necessity for a healthy life. Stable housing gives community members a chance to succeed as well as time and energy to focus on personal health and other community needs. The geographic location can have a considerable impact on access to education, recreation, transportation and jobs. Lack of affordable housing in Indian River County and the percentage of individuals who are housing cost burdened continues to increase as the county grows. According to the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies data based on the U.S. Department of Housing Development CHAS, 33% of adults in Indian River were paying more than 30% of their monthly income on rent/mortgage payments in 2019. Having to choose between paying rent or a mortgage and basic needs such as food, health care, clothing or transportation is common in communities throughout Indian River County. Of the 57,636 households in Indian River County, 44 percent struggle to pay for basic needs. Community planning that provides stable, affordable housing near reliable transportation, schools, medical services, healthy food sources and safe gathering places are key to allowing individuals to lead healthy lives with a high quality of life. Availability and affordability of housing are issues that impact community health and are essential parts of the Indian River County response, along with education and support services around housing attainment and retainment. Respondents of both assessments (the Livable Indian River and the 2019 Assessment) highlighted the short supply of affordable housing for low-income families, whether for rental or purchase. Specific zones of the Livable Survey were more likely to report deficiencies (1,4,5 and 7). The 2019 Assessment further mentioned housing costs as a crucial element in quality of life for older adults, citing the lack of both affordable housing and assisted living options are problematic. As part of the visioning process for land use, the county has worked to increase affordable options, while honoring local interests in land preservation. The Indian River County Commission recently approved (unanimously) a 55-acre/150-home plan with the intent of Livable Indian River Action Plan 16 37