Is Housing Problem Solving Enough?

• In Event: Housing Instability for Low-Income Renters: Evictions, Arrears, and Policy Solutions

Abstract

Evictions are on the rise, especially among low-income renters and low-income renter families with children. Eviction and the housing instability that results are associated with trauma, disruption of children's education, absence from school and work, doubling up, literal homelessness, neighborhood instability, and lost income for landlords. So, how can we efficiently and effectively prevent eviction and increase housing stability among low-income renters? Using a randomized control trail, we evaluate the impacts of a Housing Stabilization Initiative on very low-income renters in a large Ohio city. The collaborative initiative combined flexible financial assistance with case management and measures the impact on housing stability, evictions, and emergency shelter entry. Due to limited resources and excess demand following the conclusion of ERA, during the 6-month program pilot, randomization was used to assign participants to the intensive program or a minimal intervention strategy: housing problem solving. Housing problem solving is a strength based structured conversation to help individuals in a housing crisis identify potential solutions. However, is it, on its own, enough to prevent a housing crisis, eviction, or shelter entry? Partnering with seven agencies, we find that the average very low-income renter served by the program is severely cost burdened and 96% of the program participants do not have anywhere to turn when faced with a temporary negative economic shock like an illness or a car breaking down, leading to a significant housing crisis. We present initial results of the program, which has now screened over 1750 low income renters, and document the needs and strategies employed by low-income renters and case managers working to increase housing stability in our community. While over 1000 participants have been served as of submission, we will continue collecting data and have preliminary findings, including effects on shelter entry and eviction to share during the Fall Research Conference.

Author

• Ashley E Orr, The Ohio State University
  Presenting Author