The Wilson Housing Study

Many communities provide a range of housing programs for homeless families, including "housing only," "housing first," "permanent supportive housing," and "transitional housing." All these programs seek to help homeless families and families at risk of becoming homeless. However, little is known about what combination of housing and services is best for families who have different strengths and challenges. As communities across the country develop plans to end family homelessness, understanding the intersection of housing and services is critical.

The National Center is conducting The Wilson Housing Study, an examination of various housing and service options in selected upstate New York cities that help low-income families achieve stability and self-reliance. Based on this study, we hope to better understand which housing programs are most effective, which housing programs and mix of services are best suited to particular families, and which programs are cost-effective for families and communities. Findings hold the potential to improve the lives of homeless and low-income families, guide policy decisions regarding service and program development, and bring us closer to ending family homelessness.

The Wilson Housing Study is supported by The Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation.