A recent grant of $1.8 million will support research on mixed-income community-building, with a focus on promoting social equity and inclusion in US cities. The funding will enable the National Initiative on Mixed-Income Communities (NIMC) to launch an innovation network and profile exemplary initiatives.
A Finnish study found that males with Arabic names face significant discrimination in the rental housing market, receiving responses only 16% of the time, compared to 42% for females with Finnish names. The study highlights the challenges faced by migrant communities in integrating into their host societies.
A study by Hirojuki Hikichi and colleagues found that group relocation increased informal socializing and social participation among older adults. Nearly three years after the disaster, respondents who relocated with their community showed increases in meeting with friends and participating in sports clubs.
The Gulf Research Program and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awarded $10.8 million to support four projects enhancing community resilience in Louisiana and Alabama. The projects will increase understanding of community attributes influencing resilience and develop tools for strengthening community capacity.
A new study by University of Maryland School of Public Health researcher Dr. Andrew Fenelon found that people receiving subsidized housing assistance were more likely to have medical insurance and less likely to have unmet medical need compared to those on HUD waitlist.
A study published in the journal AIDS Care found that supportive housing programs significantly improve the health outcomes of previously homeless individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The research analyzed biometric data and showed a positive relationship between program stay length and viral suppression, highlighting the importance of st...
A new review of pest management strategies for bed bugs highlights the importance of early detection and regular monitoring. Nonchemical methods such as clutter reduction, mattress encasements, and heat treatment can help reduce risks associated with chemical methods.
A new study by Johns Hopkins University found that once-formidable disparities between black and white families living in subsidized housing have largely vanished. Black and white children who grew up in such housing fared similarly in education, employment, and earnings.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that climate change will increase the annual impact of tornadoes on mobile homes, with a predicted threefold rise over the next few decades. The study highlights the vulnerability of mobile home residents to tornado-related fatalities and recommends policy changes to reduce risk.
A Portland State University study found that affluent neighborhoods with lawns use up to 10 times more water than densely populated areas. The research highlights the importance of water-saving measures in urban planning, suggesting that hardscaping and native plants can reduce water usage.
A global study will investigate thermal, air quality and social conditions in refugee camps to inform the design of shelters that moderate extremes of temperature and ensure privacy, comfort and dignity. The project aims to create a manual for aid agencies providing guidelines on shelter design, construction and context.
A recent landslide in Washington killed 43 people, prompting researchers to investigate the disaster. The study found that the landslide's height and potential energy were primary factors, but also revealed the importance of sediment type, precipitation, and erosion.
The University of Texas at Arlington is conducting a fair housing assessment study across the North Texas region, involving 22 cities and housing authorities. The goal is to identify barriers to fair housing and promote equitable access to housing services.
A study by Adriana Zuniga-Teran found that traditional neighborhoods encourage more walking, while suburban developments with green spaces contribute to improved mental well-being. Cluster housing communities also foster social interaction among residents. In contrast, enclosed gated communities do not improve feelings of safety.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that firms with high debt levels laid off more workers during the Great Recession, exacerbating unemployment spikes. The research analyzed employment and housing data across the US, revealing a strong link between firm leverage and local unemployment.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that modern houses with metal roofs and finished walls are associated with a reduced risk of malaria in children under age 5. The researchers analyzed data from 29 surveys in 21 African countries and found a significant correlation between improved housing conditions and lower malaria rates.
A study led by Drexel University found that Philadelphia's smoke-free policy reduced nicotine levels in the air by nearly half, benefiting all residents including children and chronically ill individuals. The policy change has significant implications for public housing communities where secondhand smoke exposure is a major concern.
Public health experts praise the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's new rule mandating smoke-free policies in federally funded public housing authorities. The authors highlight challenges, such as infrastructure and community support, and suggest strategies to ease the transition and encourage compliance.
Research shows the importance of healthy communities to population health, and tax-exempt hospitals are well-positioned to address these issues. The new report recommends that the IRS modify community benefit policies to encourage greater hospital involvement in activities aimed at improving social conditions.
A new study by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that subsidized housing significantly influences young people's standardized test scores and behavior. High-achieving children who lived in subsidized housing scored 8% higher on tests than similar peers, while low-performing students saw their scores drop. The study suggests th...
According to a new Dartmouth Institute study, 16 of 32 ACOs addressed patients' nonmedical needs. ACOs are creating financial incentives for providers to improve outcomes and lower costs. The study found that addressing these needs can lead to reduced medical costs and improved quality of care.
Melinda Tasca, a Sam Houston State University assistant professor, received the prestigious W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship to investigate racial and ethnic disparities in restrictive housing. The study aims to determine disparities in placements into restrictive housing and inform policy and practice.
Research shows that policies targeting the homeless, such as banning lying down in public, have significant support from the public. However, the same people also want government to spend a lot on helping the homeless, indicating a disconnect between attitudes and policy goals. Disgust plays a key role in this disconnect, with many peo...
Researchers at Kansas State University are studying the health benefits and challenges of US tiny house villages. The study aims to understand how living in a tiny house community affects residents' physical activity, indoor air quality, and overall well-being.
A six-person research team will observe four differently-organized social housing projects in downtown Rio de Janeiro, including state-planned and self-managed cooperatives. The study aims to understand the impact of affordable housing models on low-income residents' lives.
Researchers at Columbia University have found that individual stocks may be overpriced for longer periods of time and more often than previously thought. The study estimated the number of bubbles in the US stock market between 2000 and 2013, counting up to 13,000 bubbles, or an average of four bubbles per stock.
Single parents living in urban low-income neighborhoods with high levels of community violence experience significant symptoms of stress and depression, affecting their children's emotional health. Research emphasizes the need for further study and programmatic interventions supporting the overall health of housing unstable families.
A unique study of 60,000 refugee immigrants in Sweden found that living in high-deprivation neighborhoods significantly increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time. The study suggests a direct link between neighborhood deprivation and health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Researchers warn that even mild chronic cold stress is skewing results in studies of cancer, inflammation, and other fields. The National Research Council recommends a temperature range of 20-26 degrees C for mouse housing.
A University of California, Berkeley study found that homeless youth in San Francisco have a 10.6 times higher mortality rate than their peers, mostly due to suicide and substance abuse. The study's main author notes that stigma kills and highlights the need for on-demand access to substance abuse treatment.
A new FAU study finds that HUD Section 8 Multifamily recipients face significant transportation cost challenges, affecting their ability to afford housing. The research highlights the need for HUD to provide more affordable units in compact, walkable, and transit-served locations.
A recent study published in Housing Policy Debate journal assesses the impact of transportation costs on subsidized housing affordability. The research reveals that many affordable housing units in locations without public transportation have residents spending over 15% of their income on transportation costs.
Disney researchers create a low-cost, handheld depth sensor system for capturing 3-D models of marine life with millimeter accuracy. The system corrects for refraction effects and supports coral reef restoration efforts in the Bahamas.
The article highlights the African housing shortage, particularly for low-income families, and explores the challenges posed by inadequate housing. Experts suggest that a combination of local materials and innovative building methods, such as interlocking bricks, could provide affordable solutions.
A recent study published in Housing Policy Debate found that the location of subsidized housing has a significant impact on residents' educational attainment. Residents in poorer neighborhoods with higher crime rates and lower levels of education earned fewer college credits per year compared to those in more advantaged areas.
A new paper finds that millennials still want to own homes but face obstacles like high student loan debt, low credit ratings, and delayed marriage and children. This delay may lead to a more sustainable and financially stable homeownership in the future.
A new study confirms drop-in centers tailored to homeless youths' needs offer greater appeal than shelters. The centers provide a safe space for job searching, sobriety, and stable housing, helping move young people away from homelessness.
Thirdhand smoke is a persistent and hazardous environmental contaminant left behind by smoking. Researchers at San Diego State University are studying its spread and effects on human health, with a focus on vulnerable populations like young children and those with compromised immune systems. The team has found links between thirdhand s...
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that TigerPlace residents who used sensor technology and onsite care coordination stayed in their apartments for an average of 4.3 years, nearly double the national median of 1.8 years.
A program combining home repairs, training, and comprehensive care significantly reduces childhood asthma symptoms and emergency department visits in low-income urban public housing. Removing asthma triggers such as mold and pests from these homes helps address the disproportionate impact of childhood asthma on minority communities.
John Wesley Miller, a UA College of Engineering alumnus and pioneer in energy efficiency and green building, has received the 2015 Lasting Legacy Award. His contributions to environmentally sustainable construction have been recognized through his work on projects such as Biosphere 2 and Armory Park del Sol, which showcase innovative t...
A new study found that residents of green public housing experienced fewer 'sick building' symptoms and lower asthma outcomes compared to those in traditionally constructed low-income housing. The researchers also found improved indoor environmental quality, including better ventilation and reduced exposure to pollution sources.
Researchers have developed a system to enhance ACS data, enabling easier analysis of critical information in predefined geographic areas. The new tools allow planners to access socio-economic data on desired regions and time periods, making it easier for policy decisions.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that stable housing does not lead to significant weight loss in homeless individuals, despite the potential for healthier eating habits.
A new school-evaluation method called value-added has been found not to affect housing prices, according to research by economists at Michigan State University and Cornell University. The public release of such data did not influence property values in Los Angeles, contradicting previous research that linked test scores to housing pric...
Research conducted in Denmark found that temporary confinement of hyperprolific sows can reduce piglet mortality, but only if done between day 114 of gestation and four days after farrowing. The SWAP pen has been developed to provide a confinement option for loose-housed sows, aiming to balance sow welfare and piglet protection.
A study linked household survey data with New York state administrative records to better measure government transfers and their impact on reducing poverty. The analysis identified widespread underreporting of social welfare program payments, resulting in overstated poverty rates and ineffective policy decisions.
A new study found that a Birmingham, Ala., neighborhood's community revitalization project led to an increase in physical activity among residents. Residents' expectations of improved safety and access to green spaces were key factors in their increased exercise habits.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the Housing First approach significantly reduced alcohol-related problems among homeless people with mental illness. The intervention, coupled with intensive case management, resulted in a 53% decrease in days spent experiencing alcohol-related issues.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 90 studies found residents of modern homes were 47% less likely to be infected with malaria than those living in traditional houses. Modern housing features, such as closed eaves, ceilings, screened doors and windows, can block mosquitoes from entering homes and prevent transmission of the disease.
A University of Michigan study found that poor families struggle to stay afloat with bills and debt, leading to 'consumption smoothing' where they acquire more debt. Higher wages and robust safety nets are needed to help families recover.
A new study published in the Journal of Money Credit and Banking found that consumers' willingness to take on risk plays a significant role in driving fluctuations in US housing prices. The researchers identified interest rates, rent, and consumer enthusiasm as key drivers of national and local market prices.
A new study by Cornell University analysis found that foreclosures during the late 2000s housing bust led to a significant increase in racial segregation in the US. Black and Latino neighborhoods experienced significantly higher foreclosure rates than white areas, with some communities losing up to 8 homes per 100 homes.
A statistical analysis of data from 20 industrial countries reveals that housing market pricing cycles have become longer over the last four decades. Longer down phases can lead to dire consequences on national and international economies.
A new study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that the Northeast and West fared better than the Midwest and South in terms of changing socioeconomic status. Neighborhoods with higher percentages of Asians showed above-average change, while those with high numbers of blacks experienced below-average improvements.
The EnerGAware project uses a specially devised game for smartphones and tablets to encourage affordable housing residents to adopt energy-efficient practices. The three-year initiative also enhances IT literacy and promotes community engagement.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital found that homeless individuals with mental illness who received rent supplement support and intensive case management had significantly higher rates of stable housing (62.7-77%) compared to those receiving standard care (23.6-38.8%). The Housing First program resulted in a net cost offset of $4,84...
A program incorporating rent supplements and case management services led to more stable housing for homeless adults with mental illness in four Canadian cities. The intervention improved living situation and safety but not overall quality of life.
A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that homes sold through bidding wars have increased their market share over the last two decades. Bidding war sales rates were correlated with economic and housing booms, but not consistently across jurisdictions.
A new study by UC Santa Cruz researchers found that female pumas kill more prey but eat less when their territories overlap with human development. The presence of humans leads pumas to abandon kills before consuming them, resulting in high energy costs and food loss.