Carolina Guzman, MPH, Lili Farhang, MPH, and Rajiv Bhatia, MD, MPH. Program on Health, Equity and Sustainability, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 1390 Market St., Suite 910, San Francisco, CA 94102, 415-252-3972, carolina.guzman@sfdph.org

In the US, displacement of people from their homes and neighborhoods occurs in the context of building demolition, property redevelopment or the conversion of residential units from rental to ownership. While housing is considered a human right and the health impacts of inadequate and unsafe housing have been well-documented, reviews of land use and housing projects typically do not include analysis of health impacts. With the growing movement of urban planners and public health practitioners promoting sustainability and livability of communities, urban residential displacement must be considered in the review and approval of housing development projects.

The SF Department of Public Health commenced a participatory assessment process with tenants threatened by a large-scale eviction to examine the potential health and social effects of displacement. This assessment occurs in the context of a proposal in San Francisco, California to demolish a 377 unit residential building home primarily to elderly, low-income and immigrant families, and build 1410 market-rate units in its stead. Preliminary discussions with tenants have identified stress, safety, social support, access to goods and services and physical activity as potential adverse effects of displacement. Qualitative research methods are being applied to further explore these relationships. This case study will report the findings of this research, will discuss how our public health department has applied analysis of displacement and health to local land use policy processes including environmental impact assessment, and will examine the utility of this collaborative research in community advocacy efforts to avoid displacement.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Discuss the relationship of urban residential displacement and health.
  7. Assess the role of a local public health department in applying state environmental review mandates to the work of city planners.
  11. Develop a model for participatory research around the issue of displacement.
  15. Establish displacement from housing as under the purview of local public health department activities.
  19. Provide advocacy tools for urban residents threatened with displacement.

Related Web page: www.dph.sf.ca.us/ehs/phesmain.htm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.