: In his old neighborhood, the stress of crime kept his cortisol levels spiked, which exacerbated his nerve flares. In the quiet of his new street, his sleep deepened. He found he needed fewer "rescue" meds to get through the night. The Social Reconnect

Request a "Special Diet Form" from your doctor. Even if you think your diet is fine, chronic illnesses often require specific caloric or nutritional adjustments that qualify. Because this benefit is portable (it moves with you even if you switch jobs or housing), it provides a consistent financial buffer that doesn't penalize ambition.

This is arguably the most powerful hidden benefit that nobody talks about.

Ultimately, this can increase labor-market participation and the chance of sustainable employment while maintaining a safety net.

The most significant "hidden" advantage is in the name itself. Unlike traditional Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing, which ties you to a specific building or unit, the COHB is .