Housing Programs Research Articles

Re(de)fining success: tenancy issues, provider supports, and tenancy outcomes in an Australian Permanent Supportive Housing programme

Insecure housing—particularly for low-income groups—constitutes a critical and enduring social problem. While Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) initiatives show promise as a solution to mitigate this issue, research assessing their impact remains limited. This paper makes three contributions to the empirical PSH literature: it develops a novel framework to measure the success of PSH tenancy outcomes; it expands the evidence-base to consider the role of tenancy issues and provider-initiated tenancy-sustainment supports; and it provides new evidence on a single-site PSH initiative in Queensland (Australia)—Brisbane Common Ground (BCG). We use 10 years’ worth of administrative data on all 417 tenancies—both concluded and ongoing—taking place since the onset of BCG in July 2012 and up to November 2022. Our main analyses combine descriptive statistics, event-history analyses, and logistic regression models. Results reveal significant heterogeneity in the probability of experiencing positive PSH tenancies across socio-demographic groups, the intervening role of tenancy issues, and the partially protective role of provider tenancy-sustainment initiatives. The results, however, vary depending on the lens through which PSH tenancy outcomes are viewed. These findings stress the need for targeted PSH strategies that better cater for the complex needs of specific subgroups of tenants.

Housing assistance among patients with cancer: SEER-Medicare US Department of Housing and Urban Development data linkage.

Lack of stable, affordable housing is an important social determinant of health. Federal housing assistance may buffer against housing vulnerabilities among low-income households, but research examining the association of housing assistance and cancer care has been limited. We introduce a new linkage of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program-Medicare and US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administrative data. Individuals enrolled in HUD public and assisted housing programs between 2006 and 2021 were linked with cancer diagnoses between 2006 and 2019 identified in the SEER-Medicare data from 16 states using Match*Pro (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) probabilistic linkage software. HUD administrative data include timing and type of housing assistance as well as verified household income. Medicare administrative data are available through 2020. A total of 335 490 unique individuals who received housing assistance at any time point, including 156 794 who received housing assistance around the time of their diagnosis (at least 6 months before diagnosis until 6 months after diagnosis or death), were matched to SEER-Medicare data. A total of 63 251 individuals receiving housing assistance at the time of their diagnosis were aged 66 years and older and continuously enrolled in Medicare parts A and B fee for service; 12 035 had a diagnosis of lung cancer, 8866 of breast cancer, 7261 of colorectal cancer, and 4703 of prostate cancer. This novel data linkage will be available through the National Cancer Institute and can be used to explore the ways in which housing assistance is associated with cancer diagnosis, care, and outcomes, including the role of housing assistance status in potentially reducing or contributing to inequities across racialized and ethnic groups.

Vulnerability and Constructed Precarity in the Canadian Housing Regime

ABSTRACT This article brings together feminist and critical theoretical perspectives on vulnerability to critique normative framing of vulnerability in housing. Vulnerability is often positioned as the problem affordable housing policies and programmes are designed to address). Feminist conceptions of vulnerability, by contrast, consider vulnerability as a universal condition. From a feminist perspective, I explicate the ways in which the Canadian housing regime constructs precarity in three ways: a reliance on precarious employment, positioning vulnerability as an inherent characteristic of populations, and finally through an imagined separation between nonmarket housing and (transnational) market practices. I suggest feminist conceptions of vulnerability offer a potent way forward to rethink the housing system. This recognition of shared vulnerability that is differentially felt might turn us away from targeted and population-specific interventions and instead direct attention to the housing regime itself.

Incremental housing as care infrastructure: transformations in low-income housing in Alto Hospicio, Chile

The discussion regarding the relationship between housing and care within the general field of housing studies has generated a broadening of the field in many ways. One of such is the reciprocal relationship between the numerous forms of housing transformation and care, particularly for low-income communities in the Global South. We suggest that the main drive to transform housing incrementally is care. Following the work of Power and Mee (2019), we consider housing as an infrastructure of care and therefore, the incremental transformation of housing as part of a set of practices, which produce a sociomaterial assemblage that is constitutive of care. Under these practices, not only does housing pattern care relations, but care relations also pattern housing and therefore housing transformations. This relational way of seeing housing and care is increasingly relevant in the implementation of housing transformation programmes and policies, as this would impact incremental housing design, programme, operation, funding, and implementations, particularly in the context of an increasing incorporation of multiple alternatives of housing transformation and improvement in public housing in the Global South. We show this through ethnographic work on housing transformation for care purposes in the city of Alto Hospicio, Chile.

Ensuring Dignity and Rights: Navigating Disability and Ageing Challenges

This article analyses the interplay between disability, ageing, and human rights, especially about the fundamental rights to food, shelter, and health for the population of a similar background as well as the powerless. The analyses are based on a literature review including policy documents and empirical findings. The focus is on how individuals with disabilities and older adults are confronted with obstacles and inequity in acquiring basic resources and public services. This includes the necessity of bridging the gap through influencing the legislators, providing social support and noble policies that will protect the rights of these groups. Furthermore, the article points to the value of autonomy and independence by providing special help, including the part where technologies as well as community-based services and suitable housing are discussed which in turn lead to improvement in quality of life and social integration. Also, it is aimed at guaranteeing appropriate and overall healthcare coverage, prevention services, and mental health support to cater for the specific needs of those with disabilities and old ages. The article which also highlights the strategies of food insecurity tackles the sustainable agriculture, nutrition education and the food recovery initiatives. In addition, it evaluates the role of providing secure and inclusive housing options, prioritizing affordable housing programs, and enabling the improvement of dwelling for senior people and disabled individuals. The role of diverse research strategies, the engagement of stakeholders, and the adoption of an intersectional perspective as a basis for development of sound evidence-based policies and practices that safeguard the dignity, autonomy, and rights of older adults with disabilities are emphasized throughout the article. Through these rights’ prioritization and the barriers’ check, societies can embrace the idea of equality and inclusion, and ultimately achieve social justice for everyone.

Housing the Homeless: The Effect of Placing Single Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Housing Programs on Future Homelessness and Socioeconomic Outcomes

This study measures the impact of rapidly placing single adults experiencing homelessness in housing programs on future homelessness, crime, and health. Using a caseworker placement tendencies design and a novel dataset constructed by linking administrative records from multiple public agencies in Los Angeles County, I estimate that rapidly placing individuals in housing programs significantly reduces the likelihood of future return to the homeless support system, crime, and reliance on emergency cash assistance, yet it does not have a detectable effect on health services utilization. These findings demonstrate that rapid housing placements can have both rehabilitative and potentially cost-saving impacts. (JEL H75, I12, I38, K42, R23, R38)

Implementation of the Community Homes for Opportunity Program Among Community Mental Health Staff in Southwestern Ontario

Supportive housing programs such as the Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO) that provide combined formal (off-site healthcare providers) and informal (on-site supports are effective in reducing erratic housing and homelessness. This study explored the views of the Community Mental Health Agency staff on their experiences with the CHO and related changes for further improvement of the program. We applied focused ethnographic techniques to recruit 47 agency staff from 28 group homes in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Focus group discussions were conducted at two-time points (baseline–spring 2018 and post-implementation – winter 2019). Data analysis guided by Leininger’s ethnographic qualitative analysis techniques produced three main themes and 11 subthemes themes. The main themes include facilitators of CHO, challenges to the CHO implementation, and strategies for improving the CHO program. Overall, supportive housing models have been found to constitute an effective pathway to reducing precarious housing and ending chronic homelessness for those in need while enhancing their social integration.

Design of a homelessness-focused suicide prevention program

IntroductionThis project proposes a program for the promotion of mental health and prevention of suicidal behavior among individuals experiencing homelessness, with the aim of reducing suicidal ideation and suicide mortality within this vulnerable population.ObjectivesThe project aims to implement an evidence-based program to reduce suicidal ideation and suicide mortality among homeless individuals. This will be achieved through two phases: a review of scientific literature and the development of the program in collaboration with experts and homeless individuals.MethodsThe first phase of the project involved a review of scientific literature to identify the most effective content and programs for improving mental health and preventing suicide. These findings were adapted for application in the program and for dissemination to professionals who will directly engage with individuals experiencing homelessness. In the second phase, the program content was designed in collaboration with experts and validated through the input of educational professionals. Additionally, individuals experiencing homelessness actively participated in the creation of materials and the definition of the approach to be utilized. Subsequently, a four-hour training was provided to professionals working in specialized homeless shelters to guide groups of individuals experiencing homelessness.ResultsThe program consists of the following components:-Training and Awareness: Workshops and campaigns to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide.-Early Detection and Risk Assessment: Staff training in recognizing suicide indicators and risk assessment protocols.-Psychological and Social Interventions: Crisis teams, individual and group therapy.-Access to Services: Mobile mental health clinics and collaborations with healthcare professionals.-Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Temporary housing programs and support groups.ConclusionsThe proposed program seeks to mitigate the risk of suicide among individuals experiencing homelessness through a comprehensive approach. The collaboration of experts and homeless individuals ensures that the solutions are appropriate and effective. The implementation of this program has the potential to make a significant difference in promoting mental health and preventing suicide within this vulnerable population.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Analysis of House Conditions and Optimization of Aid Funds Based on Criteria for Unlivable Houses in Lubuklinggau Timur II District, Lubuklinggau City

This research addresses the problem of public knowledge of uninhabitable houses and the difficulty in identifying houses that do not meet community housing standards, to provide criteria for uninhabitable houses as well as optimize the rehabilitation assistance budget carried out by the Government. This research uses a quantitative descriptive method by collecting data through questionnaires, field observations, and documentation on 69 sample houses. The results of the analysis categorize the level of damage to the house into three categories, namely heavy, moderate, and light damage. From the research results of 69 sample houses, it was found that only 59 houses met the requirements for the uninhabitable house rehabilitation assistance program. In optimizing the allocation of aid funds, the level of damage to the house must be taken into account. With a more objective approach, rehabilitation housing programs can be more effective and provide greater benefits to people in need.

Low-income, yet Highly Literate? The Future Towards Developing a ‘Super Smart Society’

The low-income community is generally associated with a lower level of education, poor quality housing, unemployment, and financial debt. As digital technologies become increasingly integrated into society, this study aims to re-examine the understanding of advertising literacy within low-income communities by introducing digital literacy as a new dimension. The focus is on assessing their awareness of visual pollutants, specifically fly-poster, in Malaysia. The study involved 574 respondents from five Public Housing Programs (PHP) to represent the distribution of the low-income community. The study combined media literacy theory and the model of advertising literacy. Results indicated that individuals in the low-income community exhibit high advertising literacy influenced by digital technological factors, empowering them to make informed decisions amidst the deluge of advertisements. Despite this, the challenge of visual pollutants remains unresolved due to the insufficient efficacy of collective actions by the community, hindering efforts to mitigate their impact on the local environment. To embrace the future of a 'super smart society,' the low-income community must collectively adapt and adopt digital technologies. This study contributes to the discourse on the importance of digital literacy and collaborative efforts in shaping an intelligent society, often referred to as Society 5.0 or the 'super smart society.' Keywords: Advertising literacy, society 5.0, digital literacy, fly-poster, super smart society.

Sustainable low-income housing: Exploring housing and governance issues in the Gauteng City Region, South Africa

Amidst the global discourse on the provision of low-income housing, there has been a growth in studies to assess the governance issues related to the sustainability of housing delivery. Despite housing policy and legislative frameworks existing in developing countries, several governance issues have limited the sustainability of housing delivery mechanisms. Therefore, this study aims to unpack housing delivery approaches through the lens of governance. Adopting an exploratory approach, this study seeks to understand strategic and operational approaches used by government institutions to promote collaborative strategies in the planning and delivery of housing projects. Empirical data is used to understand mechanisms, processes and systems involved in the planning and delivery of low-income housing projects, using the Gauteng City Region as an area of study. The findings reveal there is that there is a limited understanding of the concept of governance within public sector institutions. Additionally, the institutional arrangements of the three spheres of government (national, provincial and local) have an impact in the delivery processes of low-income housing projects. A shift is important in the understanding and application of governance principles in housing policy and programme implementation to realise the value of governance. This study concludes with implications for policy and academics highlighting the role of stakeholder participation, transparency, and accountability.

Analisis Kebijakan Program Rumah Gratis Siap Huni pada Koperasi Syariah Benteng Mikro Indonesia dalam Perspektif Ekonomi Islam

This study aims to determine the policy of the free housing program ready for habitation and to determine the free housing program ready for habitation from an Islamic point of view and to determine the relationship between the free housing program ready for habitation in the Benteng Micro Indonesia Sharia cooperative and Islamic economics. The type of research used is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach that is by using primary data in the form of interviews and observations, as well as documentation then secondary data in the form of collection in the form of journals, scientific papers, dictionaries, relevant reading literature. The results of the study show that the ready-to-live-in housing program run by the Benteng Micro Indonesia sharia cooperative is really provided free of charge to its members and the general public without incurring any costs for development from the beneficiaries. In order to get a free, ready-to-live house run by the Benteng Micro Indonesia Sharia cooperative, prospective beneficiaries must follow a policy by fulfilling specific criteria and conditions that have been determined by the director of the Benteng Micro Indonesia Sharia cooperative. Then Islamic economic experts argued that the free housing program is permissible in Islam, because the free housing program is a commendable social activity to help the poor in meeting their basic needs, one of which is housing. As well as the free housing program, which is ready for habitation, is very closely related to the Islamic economy because every economic development, especially for the benefit of Muslims, will relate to and also affect the Islamic economy

Housing policies and energy efficiency spillovers in low and moderate income communities

Housing policies address the human dimensions of increasing urban density, but their energy and sustainability implications are hard to measure due to challenges with siloed civic data. This is especially critical when evaluating policies targeting low- and moderate-income (LMI) households. For example, a major challenge to achieving national energy efficiency goals has been participation by LMI households. Standalone energy efficiency policies, such as information-based programmes and weatherization assistance, tend to attract affluent, informed households or suffer from low participation rates. In this Article, we provide evidence that federal housing policies, specifically community development block grants, accelerate energy efficiency participation from LMI households, including renters and multifamily residents. We conduct record linkage on 5.9M observations of housing programme participation and utility consumption to quantify the hidden benefits of locally administered housing block grants in a typical entitlement community in the US Southeast. We provide long-run evidence across 16,680 properties that housing policies generate 5–11% energy savings as spillover benefits to economically burdened households not conventionally targeted for energy efficiency participation.

ARCHITECTURAL AND URBAN PLANNING ASPECTS OF CITY RENEWAL IN UKRAINE

Cities that are at the epicenter of military conflicts find themselves in an extremely difficult situation. In addition to the most terrible ‒ human losses, the infrastructure of cities, housing stock and industry are destroyed. An extremely difficult task for such territories is their post-war reconstruction. This process can be successful only when there is an understanding of the main approaches and mechanisms for restoration work in such cities. The necessary solution is the development of effective strategies and programs for the reconstruction of cities. This determines a number of priority tasks, namely: analysis of the experience of recovery of the countries of the world after similar destructions and study of the peculiarities of housing reconstruction, as the most acute problem. The article examines the main directions of post-war reconstruction of cities, since post-war reconstruction is an extremely difficult task for any city and country. And for this, it is necessary to determine the priority directions of the restoration and development of cities, depending on the characteristics and nature of their destruction. The restoration of cities should not be limited to reconstruction, but should be decided on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the degree of destruction, the economic component and social reintegration. The experience of countries that have gone through the stages of war and reconstruction is of considerable importance in creating programs for the reconstruction of cities. The set of measures that will contribute to the implementation of programs of reconstruction and provision of housing for the population accretes the world experience. Therefore, the article examines the world experience of the restoration of war-ravaged cities. For partially destroyed cities with a preserved urban environment, it is possible to develop an actual design solution that will take into account the type of reproduction ‒ restoration, reconstruction, or new construction. For territories that have suffered severe destruction, possible options for the implementation of the reconstruction program and provision of housing for the population are: new construction, housing rental, temporary construction of modular or container facilities, formation of a replacement housing fund, compensation for housing. An approach to architectural and town-planning solutions has been developed, which consists in mastering the underground space, the spatial composition of the courtyard space, and the architectural solutions of the buildings.

Establishing New Isosexual Pairs in Adult Male Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) to Facilitate Social Housing.

Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are a commonly used species in biomedical research. As social creatures, compatible guinea pigs should be housed together unless scientific objectives or veterinary care require otherwise. Extensive literature suggests that adult male guinea pigs are highly aggressive in the presence of females, but data are lacking regarding the compatibility of cohoused adult males in the absence of females. Most studies that use adult males do not report housing densities. We used serial wound scoring and observations of behavior to determine whether unfamiliar adult male guinea pigs will develop stable, prosocial isosexual pairs. Wound scoring was performed before and 24 h after pairing. Serial behavioral observations assessed affiliative and agonistic behaviors at 0.5, 2, 24, and 48 h after pairing. Wound scoring and behavioral observations continued weekly for 1 mo and monthly thereafter. Wound scores were significantly higher at 24 h after pairing as compared with baseline and all other time points. Wounding was rare after week 2, indicating reduced aggression. Furthermore, affiliative behaviors significantly increased over time while agonistic behaviors were rare. Together, these data suggest that unfamiliar adult male guinea pigs establish stable prosocial pairs after an acclimation period. As was done in the present study, providing ample space, separate shelters for each animal, and the absence of female guinea pigs will likely facilitate successful pairing. We recommend consideration of a social housing program for adult male guinea pigs to provide companionship and enrich their housing environment.

Association Between Rental Assistance Programs and Undiagnosed Diabetes Among U.S.

Rental assistance programs have been linked to better housing quality, stability, healthcare access, and reduced likelihood of uncontrolled diabetes. However, its direct association with diabetes screening is uncertain. To determine whether federal rental assistance programs are associated with lower odds of undiagnosed diabetes. We used a quasi-experimental approach, comparing outcomes among adults receiving rental assistance to those who entered assisted housing within 2 years after their health data were collected. We test the a priori hypothesis that rental assistance will be associated with decreased odds of undiagnosed diabetes. Participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2018 who received rental assistance and who had diabetes. Current rental assistance participation, including specific housing programs. Undiagnosed diabetes based on having hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5% but answering no to the survey question of being diagnosed with diabetes. Among 435 eligible adults (median age 54.5 years, female 68.5%, non-Hispanic white 32.5%), 80.7% were receiving rental assistance programs at the time of the interview, and 19.3% went on to receive rental assistance within 2 years. The rates of undiagnosed diabetes were 15.0% and 25.3% among those receiving rental assistance programs vs. those in the future assistance group (p-value = 0.07). In an adjusted logistic regression model, adults receiving rental assistance had lower odds of undiagnosed diabetes (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.28-0.94) than those in future assistance groups. Sex, race and ethnic group, educational level, and poverty ratio were not significantly associated with having undiagnosed diabetes, but individuals aged 45-64 years had significantly lower odds of undiagnosed diabetes (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.53) compared with those aged 18-44. Rental assistance was linked to lower odds of undiagnosed diabetes, suggesting that affordable housing programs can aid in early recognition and diagnosis, which may improve long-term outcomes.

Satisfaction and challenges of beneficiaries of the Yolanda Permanent Housing Program in a component city of the Philippines

The Yolanda Permanent Housing Program (YPHP) in the Philippines was designed to resettle the poor families affected by typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan in 2013. There were 1,992 units granted to the component city but as of July of 2022, only 1,067 units were awarded. Hence, this study determined the satisfaction of the beneficiaries of YPHP and identified the challenges they encountered when they resettled at the site. Likewise, it investigated the difference in their satisfaction relative to length of stay and family size. Using the descriptive-comparative approach, this study was responded by 283 beneficiaries determined using simple random sampling. It utilized a validated and reliability-tested researcher-made questionnaire and checklist. Generally, their satisfaction was rated high. However, the areas that need continuous improvement are community development and relocation process which were rated low. Meanwhile, there were challenges identified in terms of application and documentation processing, relocation and transfer, occupancy, and livability. Also, there was no difference in their satisfaction as to length of stay and family size. However, in terms of length of stay, there was a difference in safety and suitability of location. Given the findings, continuous improvement by the implementers is necessary.

Primary Care-Based Housing Program Reduced Outpatient Visits; Patients Reported Mental And Physical Health Benefits.

Screening for housing instability has increased as health systems move toward value-based care, but evidence on how health care-based housing interventions affect patient outcomes comes mostly from interventions that address homelessness. In this mixed-methods evaluation of a primary care-based housing program in Boston, Massachusetts, for 1,139 patients with housing-related needs that extend beyond homelessness, we found associations between program participation and health care use. Patients enrolled in the program between October 2018 and March 2021 had 2.5 fewer primary care visits and 3.6 fewer outpatient visits per year compared with those who were not enrolled, including fewer social work, behavioral health, psychiatry, and urgent care visits. Patients in the program who obtained new housing reported mental and physical health benefits, and some expressed having stronger connections to their health care providers. Many patients attributed improvements in mental health to compassionate support provided by the program's housing advocates. Health care-based housing interventions should address the needs of patients facing imminent housing crises. Such interventions hold promise for redressing health inequities and restoring dignity to the connections between historically marginalized patient populations and health care institutions.

Exposing Pittsburgh Landlords To Asset-Framing Narratives: An Experiment To Increase Housing Voucher Participation.

Landlords are essential actors within the rental housing market, and there is much to be learned about their willingness to participate in rental assistance programs that improve access to stable housing. Because the success of these programs, such as the Mobility (Location-Based) Voucher program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, can be derailed by landlord opposition, it is important to test strategies that increase landlords' participation. Using data from a unique survey of Pittsburgh landlords, we found that exposing landlords to an asset-framing narrative that highlighted the social, economic, and health benefits of receiving a mobility voucher increased landlords' reported willingness to rent to a mobility voucher recipient by 21percentage points. Reported willingness was also higher among landlords who believed that housing affordability was connected to health. Our findings offer insight into how to increase landlords' participation in affordable housing programs that require their engagement to succeed.

Participation, Diversity, and Legitimation in U.S. Housing: A Rhetorical Analysis of Two HOPE VI Reports

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to consider: (1) how participatory rhetorics and methodologies can often invoke classed and racialized hierarchies and (2) the rhetorical strategies by which participatory processes in development contexts become co-opted for institutional means rather than for transformative outcomes.Method: Blending critical discourse analysis and rhetorical criticism, I read two influential federal U.S. housing reports associated with the HOPE VI housing program to derive legitimation strategies seemingly at work in divesting local residents of significant participatory input.Results: As suggested by analysis of the two reports, HOPE VI’s participatory rhetorics consisted of four key legitimation strategies that constrained participation as: participation-as-cultural narrative, participation-as-bio/necropolitics, participation-asdiversity, and participation-as-theodicy.Conclusion: The legitimation strategies reveal that participation is not a neutral framework. The methodology’s institutional privilege has the potential to iterate hierarchy and the reproduction of marginalization. Even in explicit invocations of diversity, race, and community, participation risks the entrenchment of otherization. These problematic qualities challenge organizational and institutional efforts to achieve a transformative agenda for diversity and inclusion.