Publications & Research

The places where we live, work, learn and play critically impact our health and well-being. In many places across the United States, there is significant variation in life expectancy between neighboring geographic areas. Housing, in particular, affects health. Through this survey, we analyze health activities and highlight areas with potential to catalyze partnerships between community development and health organizations. 

Innovations in single-family home construction are badly needed. Studies show that every county in the U.S. is facing an affordable housing shortage. Homeownership is increasingly out of reach for many would-be first-time homebuyers, and if younger couples and families can afford to purchase their own home, they increasingly have to wait longer to buy or lower their expectations.

As part of our rural initiative, we outlined best practices in rural rehab construction management that categorize, analyze and correlate diverse rehab management practices gathered from rural housing rehab organizations across the United States. 

Recognizing the importance of rehab work for housing preservation and the difficulty of running a sustainable rehab line of business, we gathered a cross-section of experts from our network to form a year-long rural rehab task force. They provided recommendations on how NeighborWorks can better support rehab in training, technical assistance and resource allocation. 

Ten certifications to consider when rehabilitating homes in rural communities.

Now that many low-income housing tax credit properties are being built or renovated to higher energy standards, many owners and managers find that traditional tenant utility allowance models are overestimating electricity, fuel and water consumption. Excessive utility allowances discourage residents from conserving energy and reduces property value. 

Affordable housing units are increasingly lost or at risk of losing government subsidies, and naturally-occurring affordable housing untis are likely to be used to serve higher-income households. This report highlights 16 leading efforts and innovative approaches to preserve affordable housing, including below-market debt funds, private equity vehicles, and real estate investment trusts.

Sam LaTronica, candidate in Urban Planning at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, presented innovative case studies in affordable single-family home construction, including goals, positive outcomes, and lessons learned.

There is no question that eviction is bad news for renters. Forced moves put individuals and families at risk in so many ways: They have a more difficult time being accepted as tenants elsewhere; they frequently are disconnected from social-support networks, health care providers, employment and schools; and the stress takes a psychological toll of its own. For property owners and managers, turnover means additional expense for legal procedures, recruitment of new tenants and apartment make-ready. But in the nonprofit, mission-oriented world, it's not just about money; it's also about addressing the underlying challenges that drive nonpayment of rent to begin with. The question is what (resident) services are most successful as well as cost efficient. This is the issue this study set out to explore.

Nathalie Janson, candidate in Master in Urban Planning at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, researched comprehensive community development, including its impact, challenges and opportunities for support.