Children’s HealthWatch (CHW) – an Opportunity Starts at Home (OSAH) campaign partner – has published a new article in support of the “Rent Relief Act of 2023.” The article shows why safe, stable, and affordable homes are necessary for ensuring that children live healthy lives but observes that millions of families presently lack access to stable homes. The article also shares CHW research demonstrating that young children from families that were behind on rent during the last year are more likely to experience developmental delays, be in poor health, and be hospitalized compared to young children whose families were stably housed. For this reason, among others, the writers tout the Rent Relief Act of 2023, which would create a refundable monthly tax credit to alleviate financial burdens for cost-burdened renters (those paying 30% or more of their income on rent and utilities). “Our pediatricians and researchers often tell us that the prescription they want to write their patients is a healthy home,” write the authors. “The Rent Relief Act is that prescription. It is evidence-based, and an investment that pays dividends in the form of healthier, more resilient communities.” Read the article here.