In 2007, around one-third of the homeless population in the United States were members of families with children. This Fragile Families Research Brief highlights research on homelessness and at-risk families. Authors offer predictors of homelessness and protective factors, which include a strong support network of family and friends, access to public assistance programs, and having a resident father in the home.

The Urban Institute authored a report that outlines how the housing crisis and economic recession puts millions of Americans at risk of homelessness, especially more vulnerable populations including the elderly, those living with disabilities, low-income children, and youth. Authors outline how the economic crisis is making it difficult for communities to keep up with the increased demand for homeless services and examine how community responses are changing, what is working, and policy recommendations.

This report is a feasibility assessment, which is an analysis of alternative datasets and analytic approaches that might be used to assess the effects of Hurricane Katrina on populations served by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This report shows the continuing needs and programs needed to serve the population. Additionally, authors identify lessons learned that can help improve service delivery in future disasters.

This report was completed through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and the Office of Human Services Policy. Researchers reviewed data on homeless families with children, and identified knowledge gaps on homeless families among existing research. The report provides a wide range of data, which includes information on receipt of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

This is the Second Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress completed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This resource provides characteristics and patterns of shelter use as well as data on unsheltered homeless people on a given night. Additionally, authors provide information on the capacity of the United States to house the homeless and information on where the homeless are most likely to receive shelter.

The LA HOPE project is designed to support clients in permanent supportive housing transition into gainful employment. The project provides a safety net to address barriers to self-sufficiency, which includes long-term substance abuse barriers. This resource is an evaluation of the program that was conducted by the Urban Institute.

From the Urban Institute, this paper is an evaluation of the Special Homeless Initiative (HI) of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. The Homeless Initiative was designed to prevent and end homelessness among the most vulnerable clients and clients with serious mental illness. This is the third report in the evaluation series and provides data on client outcomes from the Initiative.

This report from the Urban Institute offers an update on affordable rental housing in Louisiana after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. It was estimated that 36 percent of homeowner stock and 56 percent of rental stock was damaged or destroyed. Authors offer information on rental housing policy and promising practices for addressing the challenges facing low-income renters returning to their communities.

The Department of Mental Health in Massachusetts is committed to preventing homelessness for people with serious mental illness. From the Urban Institute, this report is the beginning of an evaluation of the Homelessness Initiative, and provides an overview of the history of the Initiative for the last 15 years.

From the Funder’s Network, this paper examines how housing conditions can affect aspects of child well-being in their communities. The study reviews housing characteristics, such as the cost of housing, residential mobility, and the surrounding neighborhood on the health, social, and emotional well-being of children. Authors call for a more rigorous evaluation of existing housing programs and outcomes for children.