Access to safe, stable and affordable housing is a fundamental pillar of good health. In the Coachella Valley, housing availability remains a challenge, but many local organizations and community leaders are working toward solutions. By expanding access to homeownership and improving living conditions, these efforts are helping to create a healthier future for residents.
Progress and challenges in housing affordability
Housing affordability is a pressing issue in many communities, and the Coachella Valley is no exception. Home prices have risen significantly, making it increasingly difficult for many residents to achieve homeownership. According to the Desert Housing Report by Palm Springs Regional Association of Realtors (PSRAR) and the California Desert Association of Realtors (CDAR), the median sale price for a detached home reached $700,000 as of January 2025. The Housing Affordability Index (HAI) measures whether a typical household earns enough to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home, with a score of 100 meaning the household has exactly the income needed. A 2023 report from the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) indicates that the HAI in the Coachella Valley is 46, well below the state and national averages.
Thankfully, dedicated efforts are underway to expand housing opportunities. Local organizations, policymakers and housing advocates are working to increase housing inventory and supporting housing policies that help make homeownership more attainable. Through these efforts, communities can create more pathways to stable and affordable housing.
How housing impacts health and well-being
Housing is about much more than just a place to live. Inadequate living environments, overcrowding and financial stress can contribute to both physical and mental health issues. Recognizing this, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control classify housing as a key social determinant of health.
For families facing housing insecurity, the stress of frequent moves or high housing costs can take a toll. Children growing up in unstable housing situations may experience higher absenteeism from school, increased stress, and long-term health effects. Addressing housing challenges is not just about affordability, it is a vital step toward improving quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
Creating long-term housing solutions and stability
Across the Coachella Valley, organizations are expanding access to affordable housing through home construction, renovation programs and financial education. One organization making an impact is Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley, which helps individuals and families achieve homeownership through affordable housing programs. Habitat’s model not only reduces financial strain for families but also creates a foundation for long-term stability. Homebuyers contribute “sweat equity” volunteering in Habitat programs and projects, fostering a sense of ownership and community investment.
In addition to homeownership programs, Habitat’s “A Brush with Kindness” program assists low-income seniors and disabled residents with free critical home repairs, addressing safety hazards and improving accessibility. These efforts allow residents to remain in their homes safely while enhancing their quality of life.
By working in partnership with volunteers, donors and local agencies such as the Coachella
Valley Association of Governments, Habitat for Humanity and other housing-focused organizations are helping to strengthen communities, providing residents with the security of a stable home and the foundation for a healthier future.
“At Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley, we are deeply committed to enhancing community well-being through our Housing Insecurity Prevention Program. Recognizing that the impact of housing insecurity often extends beyond physical needs, we also offer valuable links and referrals to crucial community services,” says Executive Director Dave Thornton.
A collaborative effort toward a healthier future
Beyond individual housing projects, community-wide initiatives are paving the way toward a healthier and more equitable future. For instance, Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) conducted by organizations like the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation, help identify critical health priorities and inequities throughout the Coachella Valley. These assessments, while highlighting challenges in areas such as North Shore, Mecca and Thousand Palms, also highlight opportunities for improvements and community empowerment.
Policy advocacy is another vital avenue for change. By championing policies that promote affordable housing, improve access to health care, and address the social determinants of health, local non-profits, government agencies, and community members are collaborating to create lasting, systemic change that benefits every resident.
At the heart of these efforts are organizations like DAP Health and Habitat for Humanity, working tirelessly to provide affordable housing solutions and create stronger, healthier communities. Through these important initiatives, more residents can gain access to the security of homeownership and the benefits of a healthier, more stable future.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley and how you can get involved by volunteering, donating, or supporting their programs, visit hfhcv.org.
Sources: 1) https://cdaronline.org/member-resources/desert-housing-report; 2) https://cvep.com/households-and-housing-affordability-in-the-coachella-valley/; 3) https://www.hfhcv.org; 4) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/social-determinants-of-health; 5) https://harcdata.org/coachella-valley-community-health-survey/; 6) https://www.dhcd.org/Community-health-needs-assessment-reveals-Coachella-Valley-s-health-priorities-and-inequities
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