NHC’s research affiliate, the Center for Housing Policy, specializes in developing solutions through research. In partnership with NHC and its members, the Center works to broaden understanding of the nation’s housing challenges and to examine the impact of policies and programs developed to address these needs. Combining research and practical, real-world expertise, the Center helps to develop effective policy solutions at the national, state and local levels that increase the availability of affordable homes. Goals 1. Expanding Awareness of the Nation’s Housing Needs: By working closely with some of the nation’s leading housing researchers, as well as conducting our own analyses, the Center seeks to raise awareness of the housing challenges facing American households, with a particular emphasis on the housing needs of working families with low- to moderate-incomes. From the unique graphical style of our publications to our online interactive databases, this research is presented in a format accessible to policymakers, the public and practitioners alike.

Photo Courtesy of McCormack Baron Salazar

2. Identifying Proven and Promising Solutions to the Nation’s Housing Challenges:
The Center goes beyond documenting housing problems to identify proven solutions and bring them to
the attention of community leaders. Through our research, we collect and analyze information on
programs and policies from around the country that have been shown to expand housing opportunities
for working families. The Center shares this information in an easy-to-follow format that provides a
roadmap for developing effective state and local housing strategies.

3. Working to Ensure a Better Understanding of the Role That Housing Plays in Advancing Key Societal Goals:
The Center works to identify the important connections between stable, affordable housing and other
social objectives, such as improved health, stronger educational outcomes, reduced crime, and
community and economic development. Through this work, the Center seeks to expand the base of
support for affordable housing and to develop housing policies that more effectively achieve key social
objectives.

• The impacts of proven and promising housing policies
• Key questions that may inform future housing policy development
• The intersection of housing, energy, transportation and the environment
• How housing policies can advance health, education and economic development

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