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Safe Space Positive Place

They're settling in to the new place quickly, and Kathy noticed Joe seems less depressed. He can catch the bus to work now instead of walking. The kids love their new school and the park down the street. She's just happy that she can get healthier foods at the grocery and take the family to her home church. The neighbors are friendly, and Kathy can finally breathe easier knowing that her family is safe.

At the core of our safe surroundings are the people we live with. That safety net spreads out to include our physical surroundings – our homes, our neighborhoods, even nearby parks and greenspaces.

Studies show that what surrounds us impacts our health greatly. A safe house with reliable utilities, nearby parks, playgrounds, greenspace and sidewalks can contribute to better health. According to the Robert J. Wood Foundation, "Social, physical and economic characteristics of neighborhoods have been increasingly shown to affect short- and long-term health quality and longevity."

"ZIP code is understood to be a stronger predictor of an individual’s health than his or her genetic code."
– DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Learn more about how surroundings impact health