Johns Hopkins University, Institute for Policy Studies

The Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies hosts the Research Network on Housing Families with Children, whose goal is to develop a more complete understanding of whether and how housing plays a direct role in making families stronger and improving children's education, health, and well-being. In its first three years, the Network conducted pilot studies and designed a major, multi-method study that will significantly advance the field and provide guidance on important policy issues. This grant funds the Network’s second three-year phase, which includes a multi-wave, four-city longitudinal study of 2,650 families with more than 3,300 children.

As part of the Foundation’s How Housing Matters to Families and Communities initiative, researchers at Johns Hopkins University will examine whether families in affordable housing spend more on their children than comparable families living in higher-cost housing. Existing research finds no difference in cognitive, behavioral, and physical health outcomes of children of families with high housing costs, compared to similar families living in affordable housing. This study’s more-nuanced findings may have important implications for how housing subsidy programs are designed and implemented if a key goal is to provide more affordable housing to achieve improved outcomes for children of low-income families.

To research the relationship between housing affordability and parental investment in children, as part of the How Housing Matters to Families and Communities competitive grant program (over two years).

In support of research on the effects of housing affordability on children's well-being (over two years).

In support of research on the effects of affordable housing on children’s well being (over two years).