- 3/6/2026
Housing is Healthcare Infrastructure
Supporting rural housing programs helps communities recruit workforce, strengthen health systems, and build long-term sustainability.
Housing is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing rural health, workforce stability, and community sustainability. Across rural America, housing shortages, limited rental availability, and aging housing stock are making it more difficult for communities to recruit and retain essential workforce, including healthcare professionals, educators, and public service workers. When housing access becomes a barrier, it directly affects the ability of rural health systems and local economies to remain strong.
Earlier this year, TRHA staff co-authored a policy brief through the National Rural Health Association examining the connection between housing insecurity, health outcomes, and workforce challenges in rural communities. The brief highlights how housing affordability, quality, and availability are closely linked to community health and economic resilience.
View the National Rural Health Association Policy Paper: Strengthening rural health through housing policy improvements
https://www.ruralhealth.us/nationalruralhealth/media/documents/advocacy/2026/nrha-housing-policy-paper.pdf
As national conversations around housing and community development continue, there is currently an opportunity for rural organizations to support two federal programs that help build housing capacity in communities across the country:
- Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP)
- Rural Capacity Building Program (RCB)
How You Can Help
These programs provide funding and technical assistance that help rural communities strengthen local housing development efforts and expand opportunities for homeownership.
Organizations nationwide are currently signing a letter urging Congress to continue supporting these programs through the FY2027 appropriations process.
Rural voices matter in these conversations. TRHA encourages our members and partners to stay informed and consider adding their organization’s support.
Together, we can help ensure rural communities have the tools and resources needed to strengthen housing access and support healthier, more sustainable communities.
Sign-on deadline: March 16
Staying Informed
TRHA shares resources like these to help keep our members and partners aware of policy conversations that may affect rural healthcare access and sustainability.
To receive regular updates, join as a TRHA member and participate in our Texas Rural Health Advocacy Action Alliance calls.
If your organization is leading advocacy efforts or policy initiatives that support rural communities, we invite you to connect with TRHA so we can explore ways to share information and strengthen rural engagement across Texas.