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THRIVE FROM THE START

Every infant and toddler deserves a safe, stable, and nurturing start in life. That’s why Housing Is has joined forces with  Prevent Child Abuse America, SchoolHouse Connection, and ZERO TO THREE to launch Thrive From The Start—a cross-sector effort dedicated to addressing homelessness among infants, toddlers, and expectant parents. Visit thrivefromthestart.org to learn more and explore how you can be a part of the solution. 

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Housing Is Working Group 2024-2025 Calendar

Join the Housing Is Working Group to discuss special topics related to cross-sector initiatives and programmatic considerations particularly focused on the intersections of housing, health, and education.

This year’s public webinars cover topics such as child welfare and housing, leveraging Medicaid resources for housing services, out-of-school time, and digital connectivity in a post-ACP world. 

View Calendar
 
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Communications
Community:
Apr 9, 2025
Every infant and toddler deserves a safe, stable, and nurturing start in life. That’s why Housing Is has joined forces with Prevent Child Abuse America, SchoolHouse Connection, and ZERO TO THREE to launch Thrive From The Start—a cross-sector effort dedicated to addressing homelessness among infants, toddlers, and expectant parents. Visit thrivefromthestart.org to learn more and explore how you can be a part of the solution.

Authored by:
Topics: Early childhood, Health, Homelessness, Housing, Pre-natal
Shared by Housing Is on Apr 9, 2025
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Webinar
Community:
Mar 5, 2025
The 2024 rate of U.S. homelessness increased by 18% over the previous year, with a 39% rise in families experiencing homelessness. According to an annual survey conducted in communities across the country, more than 770,000 people were living in shelters or outside—the largest number since the report was initiated in 2007. Our panelists will provide historical context for homelessness in the United States, as well as research findings on the effectiveness of various policy and practice approaches to decreasing homelessness and supporting unhoused families and individuals. Cindy I-Fen Cheng, Robinson Edwards Professor of American History and Asian American Studies, University of Wisconsin–Madison Katherine Levine Einstein, Associate Professor of Political Science, Boston University David Phillips, Research Professor of Economics, Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities, University of Notre Dame

Authored by: The Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP)
Topics: Homelessness, Housing
Shared by Housing Is on Mar 31, 2025
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Policy Brief
Community:
Jan 20, 2025
A safe, stable place to live is a key ingredient for a child’s healthy physical, emotional and cognitive development. Research shows children’s well-being is intricately connected to their home environments. However, many families across the United States face housing instability, which poses significant risks to children and their families according to a study published in 2024. Housing instability encompasses a range of issues, including difficulties paying rent or a mortgage, overcrowding, frequent relocations, eviction and homelessness. Linking housing policy with prevention strategies can help states to reduce unnecessary child welfare system involvement, support reunification and prevent maltreatment—ultimately ensuring that children can remain safe and supported within their families. Read more in “Strengthening Families Through Housing Stability,” the newest issue brief from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) here.

Authored by: National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
Topics: Advocacy, Data sharing, Housing
Shared by Housing Is on Jan 29, 2025
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Video
Community:
Dec 16, 2024
Hear from the Corporation of Supportive Housing on ways and supports to use Medicaid resources on topics such as understanding all components of billing Medicaid for intensive supportive housing case management, and staffing and budgeting training. This will be of particular interest for California, Washington State, and the District of Columbia PHAs and their partners, but all are welcome to learn more about what can be achieved in your community.

Authored by: Housing Is Working Group
Topics: Health, Housing, Housing Is Working Group, Medicaid / Medicare
Shared by Housing Is on Dec 16, 2024

Housing Is Working Group: Leveraging Medicaid Resources for Housing Services Webinar

Video
Dec 16, 2024
Housing Is Working Group
Hear from the Corporation of Supportive Housing on ways and supports to use Medicaid resources on topics such as understanding all components of billing Medicaid for intensive supportive housing case management, and staffing and budgeting training.
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Case study
Community:
Apr 23, 2025
The Returning Citizens Stimulus (RCS) program, implemented by the Center for Employment Opportunities, provides cash assistance to formerly incarcerated individuals. An impact study in Los Angeles and Alameda counties found that RCS participants had fewer parole violations in the first year after release from prison, compared with nonparticipants.

Authored by: MDRC
Topics: Housing
Shared by Housing Is on Apr 23, 2025
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Interactive
Community:
May 24, 2023
Ever wondered what health centers are close to your public housing property? Check out this map to learn more.

Authored by:
Topics: Health, Housing
Shared by on Mar 6, 2025
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Publication
Community:
Jan 18, 2024
Marjorie Sims, Sarah Haight January 2024 Focused on the 23,306 young parents (ages 18 to 24) and their families in New Mexico, this report provides a framework for organizations in New Mexico to collaborate more effectively and offers a plan of action to assess these efforts and strengthen impact for families. This publication aims to deepen understanding about the demographics, aspirations, and needs of young parents; highlights practices and policies aligned with a two-generation (2Gen) approach; showcases opportunities to streamline this work by forging connections between organizations and state systems; and offers recommendations across sectors and at all levels. Suggested Reference: Suggested Reference: Sims, M. & Haight, S. (2024). Meeting Young Parents Where They Dream: A Collaborative Framework for a 2Gen Approach in New Mexico. Washington, DC.

Authored by: Marjorie Sims, Sarah Haight
Topics: Child welfare, Dual-generation, dual-generation initiative, Early childhood, Family engagement, Healthy homes, Housing
Shared by Molli Caite Hughes on Jan 18, 2024

Meeting Young Parents Where They Dream: A Collaborative Framework for a 2Gen Approach in New Mexico

Publication
Jan 18, 2024
Marjorie Sims, Sarah Haight
Marjorie Sims, Sarah Haight January 2024 Focused on the 23,306 young parents (ages 18 to 24) and their families in New Mexico, this report provides a framework for organizations in New Mexico to collaborate more effectively and offers a plan of action to assess these efforts and strengthen impact
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Publication
Community:
Nov 15, 2023
Homelessness and child welfare system involvement pose substantial challenges for families, but supportive housing can help them stay together and access secure housing.

Authored by: Michael Pergamit, Mary K. Cunningham for Urban Institute
Topics: Advocacy, Dual-generation, Healthy homes, Homelessness, Housing, Low-income, Stability
Shared by Molli Caite Hughes on Nov 15, 2023
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Video
Community:
Oct 13, 2023
When Sylvia Blanco and her colleagues from the Housing Authority of the City of Austin were presented with an opportunity to collaborate with UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas, it was an easy decision for them. “We didn’t think twice about the opportunity to partner with UHC,” said Sylvia, their Chief Operating Officer. “The partnership has been tremendous in helping to move the needle on health outcomes for our residents.” Watch this video to learn how UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas is convening with local organizations to implement innovative and timely solutions in Austin.

Authored by: United HealthCare Community and State
Topics: Advocacy, Housing, Medicaid / Medicare
Shared by Molli Caite Hughes on Nov 14, 2023
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Report
Community:
Nov 14, 2023
As the frequency and severity of weather and climate hazards rises, fully understanding and planning for their potential impact on affordable housing is critical. This report examines the risks that natural hazards pose to federally assisted housing and its residents using Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Risk Index (NRI).

Authored by: A joint report by The Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation & The National Low Income Housing Coalition
Topics: Environmental Resiliency/Climate Change, Housing
Shared by Molli Caite Hughes on Nov 14, 2023

Natural Hazards and Federally Assisted Housing (NHPD)

Report
Nov 14, 2023
A joint report by The Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation & The National Low Income Housing Coalition
As the frequency and severity of weather and climate hazards rises, fully understanding and planning for their potential impact on affordable housing is critical. This report examines the risks that natural hazards pose to federally assisted housing and its residents using Federal Emergency Managem
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Webinar
Community:
Sep 12, 2023

Authored by: Housing Is Working Group, Johns Hopkins University researchers
Topics: Asthma, Healthy homes, Housing, Housing Is Working Group, Mental health, Mobility
Shared by Camille Anoll-Hunter on Sep 13, 2023
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Webinar
Community:
Sep 12, 2023
This webinar will describe new research that shows children whose families participated in a program that helped them move from distressed neighborhoods to areas with lower rates of poverty experienced significant improvements in severe asthma episodes. Before moving, for every 100 children, there were approximately 88 severe asthma attacks per year. After moving, there were approximately 40 severe attacks per year, a reduction of more than 50%. The webinar will explore factors that help explain these changes in asthma, including the critical role of neighborhood-related stress, and describes future direction and pilot programs. The publication can be found in the Journal of the American Medical Association here: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2804823

Authored by: Housing Is Working Group, Johns Hopkins University researchers
Topics: Asthma, Healthy homes, Housing, Mental health, Mobility
Shared by Camille Anoll-Hunter on Sep 13, 2023

Housing Is Working Group: Insights from the Mobility Asthma Project

Webinar
Sep 12, 2023
Housing Is Working Group, Johns Hopkins University researchers
This webinar will describe new research that shows children whose families participated in a program that helped them move from distressed neighborhoods to areas with lower rates of poverty experienced significant improvements in severe asthma episodes.
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Webinar
Community:
Aug 8, 2023
Building and maintaining effective community partnerships is a critical component of health center management and community involvement. Local partners help integrate important stakeholders into organizational processes and empower health centers to better understand and care for the communities they serve. But can health centers design and evaluate their partnerships? In this webinar, we reviewed tools and procedures for designing, evaluating, and strengthening community partnerships with a focus on pragmatic, practical and innovative solutions.

Authored by: National Center of Health In Public Housing
Topics: Health, Housing, Partnerships
Shared by Camille Anoll-Hunter on Aug 8, 2023
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Publication
Community:
Aug 3, 2023
A Community Health Worker Program Development & Toolkit for Affordable Housing and Community Development Organizations

Authored by: NeighborWorks America
Topics: Health, Healthy homes, Housing
Shared by Camille Anoll-Hunter on Aug 3, 2023
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Podcast
Community:
Mar 29, 2023
Climate change will affect everyone, so what measures can U.S. communities take now to adapt and thrive? From water-saving landscapes to strategic retreats from hazard-prone areas, experts Colleen Moore and Alexis St. Juliana explore a range of promising responses they’ve identified and explain why historically vulnerable communities must be part of the solutions.

Authored by: Colleen Moore and Alexis St. Juliana for Abt Associates
Topics: Community development, Energy, Environmental Resiliency/Climate Change, Green, Housing, Low-income, Research, Sustainability
Shared by Sandra Ware on Mar 30, 2023

From Cool Roofs to Community Relocation: New Solutions for Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Podcast
Mar 29, 2023
Colleen Moore and Alexis St. Juliana for Abt Associates
Climate change will affect everyone, so what measures can U.S. communities take now to adapt and thrive? From water-saving landscapes to strategic retreats from hazard-prone areas, experts Colleen Moore and Alexis St.
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Case study
Community:
Feb 9, 2023
The following are case studies of NYCHA energy efficiency decarbonization programs. More information about the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) various sustainability programs can be found in our Sustainability Agenda.

Authored by: NYCHA and CLPHA
Topics: Energy, Environmental Resiliency/Climate Change, Housing, Sustainability
Shared by Sandra Ware on Feb 9, 2023
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Publication
Community:
Nov 17, 2022
Lessons for funders and social change leaders in search of the best ways to collaborate across sectors to end homelessness.

Authored by: Seyron Foo, Raji Hunjan, & Amy Kleine for the Stanford Social Innovation Review
Topics: Funding, Homelessness, Housing, Low-income, Supportive housing, Youth
Shared by Sandra Ware on Jan 3, 2023
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Policy Brief
Community:
Nov 29, 2022
Successful diabetes care for vulnerable populations demands a multi-prong approach, deploying direct health interventions, medications, and support from a range of community resources to address the social determinants, which impact diabetes. This brief will highlight, through case studies and program descriptions, the important role of non-clinical staff in both the health center and housing setting to support individuals and families struggling to prevent and keep diabetes conditions under control.

Authored by: CSH
Topics: Health, Housing
Shared by Sandra Ware on Nov 29, 2022

A Call for Reinforcements in Diabetes Care: Maximizing the Role of Non-Clinical Staff and Partners

Policy Brief
Nov 29, 2022
CSH
Successful diabetes care for vulnerable populations demands a multi-prong approach, deploying direct health interventions, medications, and support from a range of community resources to address the social determinants, which impact diabetes.
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Policy Brief
Community:
Oct 12, 2022
Disabled individuals and families in federally assisted housing face multiple challenges in gaining access to housing units and services that meet their needs—despite legal frameworks meant to help them. This brief focuses on working-age disabled individuals and families with a disabled household member who live in federally assisted housing. It presents evidence of the challenges with federally assisted housing processes and supports for residents with disabilities, and provides recommendations that could help these processes and supports better meet legal obligations and resident needs.

Authored by: Corianne Payton Scally, Ebonie Megibow, Susan J. Popkin for the Urban Institute
Topics: Disabilities, Family engagement, Housing
Shared by Sandra Ware on Oct 27, 2022

Improving Experiences for Residents with Disabilities in Federally Assisted Family Housing

Policy Brief
Oct 12, 2022
Corianne Payton Scally, Ebonie Megibow, Susan J. Popkin for the Urban Institute
Disabled individuals and families in federally assisted housing face multiple challenges in gaining access to housing units and services that meet their needs—despite legal frameworks meant to help them.
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Case study
Community:
Oct 25, 2022
According to UN-Habitat, the world needs to build 96,000 affordable homes every day to address the global housing crisis by 2030. Yet, better utilizing existing housing stock—through options such as shared housing—can make a significant dent in the need to build more housing. With college students often challenged to find affordable housing and many older adults living alone in homes with spare bedrooms, these two groups are increasingly benefitting from living together. Universities are often well-suited to facilitate students living and learning with older adults in nearby communities. Intentionally fostering intergenerational engagement through places and programs can reduce loneliness, mitigate ageist stereotypes, and help both groups to thrive.

Authored by: Stephanie Firestone and Julia Glassman for AARP Equity by Design
Topics: Community development, dual-generation initiative, Funding, Health, Homelessness, Housing, Mental health, Seniors, Youth
Shared by Sandra Ware on Oct 25, 2022

Principles in Action Universities as Age Friendly Partners

Case study
Oct 25, 2022
Stephanie Firestone and Julia Glassman for AARP Equity by Design
According to UN-Habitat, the world needs to build 96,000 affordable homes every day to address the global housing crisis by 2030. Yet, better utilizing existing housing stock—through options such as shared housing—can make a significant dent in the need to build more housing.
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Case study
Community:
Aug 1, 2022
Created by the Older Americans Act in 1973, AAAs are part of the national Aging Network. AAAs are the local leaders that develop, coordinate, and deliver a wide range of home and community-based services. These services include information and referral/assistance, case management, home-delivered meals and meals in congregate settings, in-home services, caregiver supports, transportation, evidence based health and wellness programs, long-term care ombudsman programs, and more. People who receive services provided by AAAs have improved health and well-being, helping them remain in their homes and thrive in the community.

Authored by: U.S Administration for Community Living
Topics: Disabilities, Food insecurity, Homelessness, Housing, Low-income, Seniors, Supportive housing
Shared by Sandra Ware on Oct 18, 2022
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Case study
Community:
Aug 1, 2022
As an Area Agency on Aging (AAA), AgeSpan engages in innovative partnerships with housing providers through the Massachusetts Supportive Housing Program (MSHP). Working with property managers at designated local housing sites, AgeSpan places staff as resident service coordinators (RSCs). The RSCs deliberately build strong, trusting relationships with residents, offering a daily touchstone that greatly improves quality of life. When housing and services are coordinated, older adults and people with disabilities are better able to live well in the community.

Authored by: U.S administration for Community Living
Topics: Disabilities, Food insecurity, Housing, Low-income, Seniors
Shared by Sandra Ware on Oct 18, 2022

AGESPAN AND PARTNERS BRING HOUSING AND SERVICES TOGETHER

Case study
Aug 1, 2022
U.S administration for Community Living
As an Area Agency on Aging (AAA), AgeSpan engages in innovative partnerships with housing providers through the Massachusetts Supportive Housing Program (MSHP). Working with property managers at designated local housing sites, AgeSpan places staff as resident service coordinators (RSCs).
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Report
Community:
Sep 22, 2022
New research from Urban Institute housing experts explores the characteristics of youth and young adults living in federally assisted housing and the neighborhoods in which they live. Stable housing is essential for young people as they transition from adolescence to adulthood, and public housing agencies often play a critical role in providing them with affordable homes. In 2021 alone, 755,000 youth (people ages 14 to 18) and 513,000 young adults (people ages 19 to 25) received federal housing assistance. Youth and young adult heads of household in federally assisted housing tend to have extremely low incomes. They are less likely to live in metropolitan areas, and 11 percent were experiencing homelessness at the time of their admission into housing. Little information is available about these young people and their experiences accessing stable and affordable housing, and this brief demonstrates that more work must be done to guide service providers, advocates, and policymakers to strengthen supports and services. If you have questions or would like to speak with the research team, please email me at aelsbree@urban.org.

Authored by: Olivia Fiol, Matthew Gerken, Susan J. Popkin, and Abby Boshart for THE URBAN INSTITUTE
Topics: Child welfare, Housing, Stability, Youth
Shared by Sandra Ware on Oct 4, 2022
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Communications
Community:
Aug 30, 2022
Join the Housing Is Working Group for webinars, member updates, and round table discussions! This resource provides the 2022-2023 Calendar of Events.

Authored by: Housing Is
Topics: CLPHA, Housing, Housing Is Working Group
Shared by Camille Anoll-Hunter on Aug 30, 2022
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Report
Community:
Jun 29, 2022
Looking largely at the 2020-2021 school year, the report is chock-full of information about how schools apply research-based strategies in a variety of different contexts – from very different school systems across multiple states – to make research translate into positive experiences and outcomes for students and their teachers in three critical areas: • Instructional work, where math or English-language-arts teams, including instructional coaches, special-education teachers, and English learner/multilingual teachers, work to improve the quality of instruction within classrooms. • Early Warning and Response strategies, where grade-level or cross-functional teams work to create more supportive school environments, where young people are connected to adults, each other, and the school community. • Well-Matched Postsecondary initiatives, where school-based teams of counselors, service providers, district and school leaders, teachers, and other staff band together to implement evidence-based strategies and processes that support postsecondary application, enrollment, and persistence. At its heart, improvement is about learning. Each of these networks study their own work, and consistently and strategically make adaptations to increase their effectiveness as the organizational hub supporting schools. And they demonstrate how lessons need not fade away, but when codified, systematized, and shared, they can deepen our collective capacity to accelerate the field’s learning and growth.

Authored by:
Topics: Advocacy, Attendance, Child welfare, CLPHA, Community development, Education, Grade-level proficiency, Housing, Literacy, Low-income, Partnerships, Place-based, Supportive housing, Sustainability, Youth
Shared by Karina George on Jun 29, 2022