Welcome to Housing Is, a hub for generating effective programs and sharing innovative ideas.

Sign Up or Sign In
 

Housing Is Working Group 2023-2024 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 the mobility asthma project, trauma-informed approaches to housing, resident-focused racial equity work, out-of-school time, and how FCC grantees are supprting voucher holders.

View Calendar
 

Elements of a Successful Partnership

With generous support from the MacArthur Foundation, CLPHA developed an in-depth report on regional housing-education collaborations taking place at housing authorities across the Pacific-Northwest.

Read the Multimedia Report
 
0
0
0
0
Policy Brief
Community:
Mar 1, 2023
Unfortunately, there are more youth experiencing homelessness than there are resources available. Up to 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+). Homelessness is often the result of multiple factors including historical and present systemic racism, discrimination, and socio-economic inequities. Learn more in our new policy brief.

Authored by: National Network for Youth
Topics: Criminal justice, Homelessness, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Mental health, Racial inequalities, Safety, Stability, Youth
Shared by Sandra Ware on Jun 8, 2023
0
0
0
0
Publication
Community:
Mar 2, 2023
Many students and families arrive in the U.S. from other countries without safe, stable housing, and experience homelessness and high mobility that can last for months. At SchoolHouse Connection, we recognize the crucial role that schools can play in providing stability and support to mitigate the disruption and trauma caused by homelessness. This page is dedicated to providing educators, policymakers, and advocates with valuable resources on how to best support these families and youth, and help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in school and beyond.

Authored by: School House Connection
Topics: Early childhood, Education, Grade-level proficiency, Homelessness, Housing, Immigrants, Legislation & Policy, School-readiness, Youth
Shared by Sandra Ware on Mar 14, 2023
0
0
0
0
Report
Community:
Mar 1, 2023
We are delighted to share a new research report in partnership with Child Trends: Data on Families with Low Incomes Across America Can Inform Two-Generation Approaches. In this new analysis, research experts Elizabeth Wildsmith and Marta Alvira-Hammond paint a detailed picture of how families in households with low incomes in the United States have changed since 2011. The report highlights 10 key findings from their analyses of family economic and social conditions related to financial security and mobility, family structure and living arrangements, education and employment, parental health, and community health indicators (for example, rates of child poverty, violent crime, child care costs). A deeper understanding of families with low-incomes will inform our collective work and strengthen how our 2Gen policy and practice recommendations can prioritize health, education, employment, and economic assets to ensure families have access to the resources they need to build intergenerational prosperity and well-being.

Authored by: Elizabeth Wildsmith and Marta Alvira-Hammond for Child Trends in partnership with Ascend at the Aspen Institute
Topics: dual-generation initiative, Early childhood, Education, Health, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Low-income, Racial inequalities
Shared by Sandra Ware on Mar 2, 2023

Data on Families With Low Incomes Across America Can Inform Two-Generation Approaches

Report
Mar 1, 2023
Elizabeth Wildsmith and Marta Alvira-Hammond for Child Trends in partnership with Ascend at the Aspen Institute
We are delighted to share a new research report in partnership with Child Trends: Data on Families with Low Incomes Across America Can Inform Two-Generation Approaches.
0
0
0
0
Report
Community:
Mar 1, 2023
At this time of year, pull up to a busy intersection or pass by some popular public gathering place in and around Durham, and there’s a good chance you might find a sign advertising “PreK for All.” January kicks off Durham PreK’s annual recruitment campaign for the approaching school year, and if you have a rising preschooler in your life, you may be wondering what it means to offer pre-k for all. The resulting report, “Toward Equity in Durham PreK: Addressing the Accessibility of Wraparound Care as a Barrier to Universal PreK in Durham,” details the findings, identifies key program participation challenges tied to wraparound care access and availability, and offers conclusions and recommendations for addressing these challenges now and in the future.

Authored by: Child Care Services Association (CCSA)
Topics: COVID-19, Early childhood, Education, Funding, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Low-income, Racial inequalities
Shared by Sandra Ware on Mar 2, 2023

Toward Equity in Durham PreK: Addressing the Accessibility of Wraparound Care as a Barrier to Universal PreK in Durham,

Report
Mar 1, 2023
Child Care Services Association (CCSA)
At this time of year, pull up to a busy intersection or pass by some popular public gathering place in and around Durham, and there’s a good chance you might find a sign advertising “PreK for All.” January kicks off Durham PreK’s annual recruitment campaign for the approaching school year, and if yo
0
0
0
0
Publication
Community:
Oct 6, 2022
How a national funder collaborative is empowering communities, expanding access to housing in BIPOC neighborhoods, and changing policies, narratives, and systems that perpetuate racial injustice.

Authored by: Bea de la Torre for the Stanford Social Innovation Review
Topics: Funding, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Racial inequalities
Shared by Sandra Ware on Jan 3, 2023
0
0
0
0
Publication
Community:
Oct 13, 2022
Is the future of philanthropy a more collaborative one? The leaders of Funders for Housing and Opportunity share lessons to help the field learn—and evolve—in real time.

Authored by: Jeanne Fekade-Sellassie & Jennifer Angarita for the Stanford Social Innovation Review
Topics: Community development, Funding, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Racial inequalities
Shared by Sandra Ware on Jan 3, 2023
0
0
0
0
Publication
Community:
Oct 20, 2022
Three social change leaders discuss how to move the narrative about housing away from a focus on individual actions toward values, racial justice, and the well-being of all.

Authored by: Glenn Harris, Michael McAfee, & Dorian Warren for the Stanford Social Innovation Review
Topics: Housing, Legislation & Policy, Racial inequalities
Shared by Sandra Ware on Jan 3, 2023
0
0
0
0
Publication
Community:
Nov 10, 2022
Two housing justice advocates discuss different approaches to policy change and the importance of centering the voices of people most affected by systemic barriers and inequities in housing.

Authored by: Amy Gillman, Liz Ryan Murray, & Mike Koprowski for the Stanford Social Innovation Review
Topics: Advocacy, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Low-income, Racial inequalities
Shared by Sandra Ware on Jan 3, 2023
0
0
0
0
Publication
Community:
Dec 1, 2022
Local initiatives are breaking new ground to make access to housing and opportunity more affordable and equitable and to increase the resources dedicated to housing justice.

Authored by: Mercedeh Mortazavi & Alana Greer for the Sandford Social Innovation Review
Topics: Community development, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Partnerships, Racial inequalities
Shared by Sandra Ware on Jan 3, 2023
0
0
0
0
Interactive
Community:
Jun 29, 2022
In 2020 we launched a dedicated effort to learn more about legal issues surrounding unaccompanied minors experiencing homelessness. This project was intended to guide both organizations’ ongoing work and advocacy and develop resources to help the field better prevent and end homelessness among minors. This toolkit includes: • Key issues and challenges for minors experiencing homelessness; • Strategies and lessons learned from advocacy for state minor consent to services laws (including questions to consider); • Legal issues and considerations relevant to host homes for minors; • Working towards equity while serving minors; • Child welfare and youth homelessness; and • Additional legal and policy issues.

Authored by: National Network for Youth
Topics: Advocacy, Child welfare, Community development, Education, Foster care, Homelessness, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Racial inequalities, Research, Supportive housing, Sustainability, Youth
Shared by Karina George on Jun 29, 2022

Toolkit: Overcoming Legal and Policy Barriers to serving minors experiencing homelessness - a collection of resources for youth advocates

Interactive
Jun 29, 2022
National Network for Youth
In 2020 we launched a dedicated effort to learn more about legal issues surrounding unaccompanied minors experiencing homelessness.
0
0
0
0
Report
Community:
Jun 27, 2022
We have an abundance of talent that is ready to reimagine early childhood and well-being in America for our youngest children and families, but we do not have an abundance of leadership experiences that nurture, propel, and position them as the dynamic leaders our country urgently needs. Leadership that reflects the full diversity and genius of our communities, sectors, identities, and lived experiences matters now more than ever. In Toward A More Equitable Tomorrow: A Landscape Analysis of Early Childhood Leadership, we uncover the essentials for future leadership investments that value and center equity—especially racial equity and inclusion—to surface new possibilities and equitable prosperity moving forward. Insights from stakeholders including state and federal cabinet directors, service providers, funders, and parents offer powerful perspectives to guide the future early childhood field, and guide those who seek to accelerate families’ well-being, educational success, and economic mobility. Ascend at the Aspen Institute is embracing this moment as a renewal, and also as a redoubling of our commitment to remake our systems and our society. This means centering children and families with a focus not simply on eliminating persistent inequities such as poverty, polarization, and racism, but on ensuring pathways to prosperity and well-being. With support from the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the Bezos Family Foundation, Ascend undertook a robust landscape analysis of the early childhood field. More than 80 leaders—from research, practice, policy, philanthropy, and families with young children—shared their insights for this report. It was augmented by a review of 20 mission-aligned leadership efforts. Our inquiry was grounded in an intentional focus on racial, economic, and gender equity; respect for the advances made; commitment to innovation; and an open mind to new approaches, possibilities, and power.

Authored by: Ascend at the Aspen Institute
Topics: Advocacy, Asset building, Child welfare, CLPHA, Early childhood, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Racial inequalities, Research, Supportive housing, Sustainability, Youth
Shared by Karina George on Jun 27, 2022

Toward a More Equitable Tomorrow: A Landscape Analysis of Early Childhood Leadership

Report
Jun 27, 2022
Ascend at the Aspen Institute
We have an abundance of talent that is ready to reimagine early childhood and well-being in America for our youngest children and families, but we do not have an abundance of leadership experiences that nurture, propel, and position them as the dynamic leaders our country urgently needs.
0
0
0
0
Report
Community:
Jun 27, 2022
A robust research base indicates the importance of high quality early care and education in relation to a host of long term health, education, and employment outcomes. The concept of “quality” in these programs has been the focus of much attention and resources, particularly over the last decade. Most states have established definitions of quality through quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS) and allocated accompanying resources to support early care and education providers to progress toward higher levels of quality. Unfortunately, with few exceptions, definitions of “quality” have been sorely lacking attention to equity and to the unique experiences that disproportionately affect children from historically marginalized communities. This report addresses a fundamental content flaw in QRISs by operationalizing equity indicators. These indicators are grounded and organized by the CEP’s 14 priorities to advance equity in early care and education systems, published in a 2020 report, in partnership with eight national organizations. States can use these indicators to inform QRIS redesign efforts to advance equity and improve transparency for families.

Authored by: The Children's Equity Project (CEP)
Topics: Advocacy, CLPHA, Communications, Homelessness, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Metrics, Racial inequalities, Research, Supportive housing, Sustainability
Shared by Karina George on Jun 27, 2022

Equity is Quality and Quality is Equity: Operationalizing Equity in Quality Rating and Improvement Systems

Report
Jun 27, 2022
The Children's Equity Project (CEP)
A robust research base indicates the importance of high quality early care and education in relation to a host of long term health, education, and employment outcomes. The concept of “quality” in these programs has been the focus of much attention and resources, particularly over the last decade.
0
0
0
0
Video
Community:
Jun 17, 2022
This is the recording of a small group discussion on the Build American, Buy American (BABA) Act and its implications for PHAs. The notes were taken to document feedback from CLPHA members on the Federal Register Request for Information Notice on the Build America, Buy America Act. The information documented below does not constitute CLPHA’s official position or response to the RFI.

Authored by:
Topics: Housing, Legislation & Policy, Place-based
Shared by Malcolm Guy on Jun 21, 2022
0
1
1
0
Video
Community:
Jun 21, 2022
In this webinar, we heard from the Housing Authority of the City of Austin about how they fund and sustain their resident programs. Head of Strategic Initiatives and Resource Development, Catherine Crago, discussed how their nonprofit subsidiary, Austin Pathways, assists with blending and braiding financing, including corporate and philanthropic funding and in-kind gifts. This webinar is part on an ongoing series sponsored by the Housing Is Working Group. It is a collective of public housing authorities and non-profit organizations working in health, education, and housing sectors coming together monthly via virtual meetings and other forums to discuss cross-sector work and challenges.

Authored by:
Topics: Advocacy, CLPHA, Data sharing, Housing, Housing Is Working Group, Legislation & Policy, Supportive housing, Sustainability
Shared by Karina George on Jun 21, 2022
0
0
0
0
Video
Community:
Jun 17, 2022
When public libraries and public housing authorities intentionally join forces, the benefits are real and lasting for those living in public housing. This session highlights the partnership between Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and Cleveland Public Library (CPL). CMHA and CPL executive leaders will discuss how their agencies strategically aligned their vision for impact and are meeting community needs through the library’s free and accessible resources. CMHA and CPL leaders will also share strategies for creating effective cross-sector partnerships that can drive greater economic mobility and better education and health outcomes for individuals and families.

Authored by:
Topics: Advocacy, Asset building, CLPHA, Education, Family engagement, Homelessness, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Literacy, Low-income, Supportive housing
Shared by Karina George on Jun 17, 2022

CLPHA Housing Is Summit 2022: Deepening Community Impact Through Housing Authority and Library Partnerships

Video
Jun 17, 2022
When public libraries and public housing authorities intentionally join forces, the benefits are real and lasting for those living in public housing. This session highlights the partnership between Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and Cleveland Public Library (CPL).
0
0
0
0
Video
Community:
Jun 17, 2022
The Vancouver Housing Authority collaborated with a Federally Qualified Health Center and a homeless crisis response system to develop a network of scattered-site and site-based supportive housing. This moderated discussion will cover how VHA paired Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing with a Medicaid-funded supportive housing benefit to serve people identified by the community’s Coordinated Entry as needing supportive housing. Speakers will also discuss the challenges faced through the process, model adjustments made, and evaluation of the work through matching housing data and Medicaid utilization data.

Authored by:
Topics: Advocacy, CLPHA, Data sharing, Family engagement, Health, Healthy homes, Homelessness, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Low-income, Research, Stability, Sustainability
Shared by Karina George on Jun 17, 2022
0
0
0
0
Video
Community:
Jun 17, 2022
This panel discussion will examine the results of efforts to significantly expand the reach of HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program through partnerships between the nonprofit Compass Working Capital and the Boston and Cambridge Housing Authorities. Panelists will discuss their program model and its evaluation, how they have scaled up FSS, what results they have experienced to date, and where they plan to go from here. An FSS program participant will participate in the panel and share their perspective on how the program has benefitted them.

Authored by:
Topics: Advocacy, Asset building, CLPHA, Early childhood, Education, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Research, Supportive housing
Shared by Karina George on Jun 17, 2022

CLPHA Housing Is Summit 2022: Taking FSS to Scale - Lessons from Compass' Partnerships in Boston and Cambridge

Video
Jun 17, 2022
This panel discussion will examine the results of efforts to significantly expand the reach of HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program through partnerships between the nonprofit Compass Working Capital and the Boston and Cambridge Housing Authorities.
0
0
0
0
Video
Community:
Jun 17, 2022
This session will review the extent to which local jurisdictions engaged with school districts in the 2016-17 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) process and preview the potential for PHAs to engage with school districts and school data in the upcoming renewal of the HUD AFFH process.

Authored by:
Topics: Advocacy, Attendance, CLPHA, Data sharing, Education, Family engagement, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Research, Sustainability
Shared by Karina George on Jun 17, 2022

CLPHA Housing Is Summit 2022: Working with School Districts and School Data

Video
Jun 17, 2022
This session will review the extent to which local jurisdictions engaged with school districts in the 2016-17 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) process and preview the potential for PHAs to engage with school districts and school data in the upcoming renewal of the HUD AFFH process.
0
0
0
0
Video
Community:
Jun 17, 2022
The Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) will moderate a unique cross-sector panel of housing and early care and education (ECE) experts on strategies and best practices for co-locating ECE facilities within affordable housing developments. Discussion of specific financing techniques and site design considerations from existing co-located facilities will provide attendees lessons on policy and programmatic changes needed to incentivize co-location. Panelists include innovators in affordable housing development, government and public sectors, early care and education operations, and community development finance.

Authored by:
Topics: Advocacy, Broadband, Child welfare, CLPHA, Family engagement, Food insecurity, Health, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Low-income, Nutrition, School-readiness, Supportive housing, Sustainability
Shared by Karina George on Jun 17, 2022

CLPHA Housing Is Summit 2022: Meeting Families' Needs Including Child Care in Housing Developments

Video
Jun 17, 2022
The Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) will moderate a unique cross-sector panel of housing and early care and education (ECE) experts on strategies and best practices for co-locating ECE facilities within affordable housing developments.
0
0
0
0
Video
Community:
Jun 17, 2022
Building off discussions during previous Summits, this panel will highlight research and promising practices on cash assistance for low-income individuals and families, including income supports stemming from the pandemic.

Authored by:
Topics: Advocacy, CLPHA, Funding, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Research
Shared by Karina George on Jun 17, 2022
0
0
0
0
Report
Community:
May 6, 2021
As evidence grows that housing mobility programs can vastly improve residents’ life trajectories, today the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Institute for Health and Social Policy based at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a network of experts released a report to help inform and guide supplementary research on the new Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Mobility Demonstration Program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Including input from leaders in the housing, health, education, and economic development fields, the Report of the Housing Mobility Research Road Map Project provides research considerations for the HCV Mobility Demonstration Program, which will begin funding nine public housing agencies in Spring 2021 to provide housing vouchers and mobility services to help families move to lower-poverty neighborhoods. Housing mobility programs have the potential to disrupt historic patterns of segregation and increase families’ economic mobility. As these programs are implemented, there will be opportunities for research to inform a broad range of public policies including health, education, and housing policy.

Authored by: Oktawia Wójcik for ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION & Craig Pollack for JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Topics: Advocacy, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Mobility, Racial inequalities
Shared by Housing Is on May 25, 2021

Report of the Housing Mobility Research Road Map Project

Report
May 6, 2021
Oktawia Wójcik for ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION & Craig Pollack for JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
As evidence grows that housing mobility programs can vastly improve residents’ life trajectories, today the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Institute for Health and Social Policy based at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a network of experts released a report to help inform and g
0
0
0
0
Video
Community:
May 18, 2021
Over the past several years, CLPHA has worked with its members to disseminate information on the best eviction prevention practices and many public housing authorities (PHAs) have made great progress in developing new strategies to keep families housed. The eventual ending of the CDC eviction moratorium provides an opportunity for PHAs to review their eviction prevention strategies. Panelists will review the latest research on COVID-19 and evictions, protecting voucher holders from eviction, and work that PHAs are doing to evaluate their own eviction practices through a racial equity lens.

Authored by: CLPHA
Topics: Community development, COVID-19, Healthy homes, Homelessness, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Racial inequalities
Shared by Housing Is on May 18, 2021

CLPHA HousingIs Summit 2021: Revisiting Eviction Prevention Practices Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Video
May 18, 2021
CLPHA
Over the past several years, CLPHA has worked with its members to disseminate information on the best eviction prevention practices and many public housing authorities (PHAs) have made great progress in developing new strategies to keep families housed.
0
0
0
0
Video
Community:
May 18, 2021
Keynote: Michael Bennet (D-Co), Congressional Video Message. Plenary: Reducing Childhood Poverty. Following Housing Is' 2019 Summit discussion of reducing childhood poverty and the idea of a university child allowance, this panel will explore the renewed discussion of legislation around a child tax credit and the idea of a universal basic income.

Authored by: CLPHA
Topics: Child welfare, Community development, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Low-income, Racial inequalities, Youth
Shared by Housing Is on May 18, 2021
0
0
0
0
Report
Community: Postsecondary
May 2, 2019
Innovative public housing authorities (PHAs) are collaborating with college access partners and community colleges to increase postsecondary educational achievement for low-income residents and college students experiencing homelessness. This report elevates 11 shared learnings from a recent convening of these five pioneering PHAs and their postsecondary collaborators, and offers a series of recommendations to policy makers, PHAs, and philanthropic organizations seeking to develop emerging cross-sector collaborations between housing and education organizations. The report also includes an overview of the federal policies that support and limit postsecondary achievement for students served by PHAs, and profiles of the five partnerships: CHA and partners City Colleges of Chicago and One Million Degrees; CMHA and partner Columbus State Community College; HACLA and partner Southern California College Access Network (SoCal CAN); LMHA and partner Family Scholar House; and THA and partner Tacoma Community College.

Authored by: Abra Lyons-Warren for CLPHA
Topics: CLPHA, Education, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Low-income, Partnerships, Post-secondary, Stability
Shared by Abra Lyons-Warren on Oct 6, 2020

Eliminating Barriers to Postsecondary Success: Cross-Sector Collaborations to Improve Postsecondary Achievement for Students Served by Public Housing Authorities

Report
May 2, 2019
Abra Lyons-Warren for CLPHA
Innovative public housing authorities (PHAs) are collaborating with college access partners and community colleges to increase postsecondary educational achievement for low-income residents and college students experiencing homelessness.
0
0
0
0
Policy Brief
Community:
Dec 4, 2019
In California, more than 3.7 million students were eligible for free or reduced priced school meals in the 2017-2018 school year. For many of those students, school meals are the primary source of regular access to healthy food. When the bell rings at 3:00 or lets out for summer break, many of those students go home to nutritional uncertainty or high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. For many low-income families, the out-of-school-time food access gap increases family stress: limited budgets are stretched further to cover food, rent, utilities, transportation, medications, and chidcare costs. For very young children, food insecurity can negatively impact brain and physical development. For children of all ages, disrupted access to healthy food can impact behavior, increase risk of obesity, make it harder to concentrate, or exacerbate existing healthy conditions like type 2 diabetes. The impact is not limited to summer, and can lead to a rocky start to the school year, negatively impacting school attendance and students’ ability to effectively participate in school. Read the full brief to learn how public and affordable housing communities can address food insecurity for children and youth with the help of out-of-school-time USDA child nutrition programs.

Authored by:
Topics: Advocacy, Early childhood, Food insecurity, Health, Healthy homes, Housing, Legislation & Policy, Low-income, Nutrition, Out-of-school time, West Coast, Youth
Shared by Linda Lu on Dec 4, 2019

Keeping Kids Healthy and Engaged When School is Out Through Public and Affordable Housing Communities

Policy Brief
Dec 4, 2019
In California, more than 3.7 million students were eligible for free or reduced priced school meals in the 2017-2018 school year. For many of those students, school meals are the primary source of regular access to healthy food.