At Enterprise Community Partners, we know from over 30 years of on-the-ground experience that stable and affordable housing has a positive impact on families and communities. We know this firsthand from seeing lives and communities changed – but also through a large and growing body of research on housing security. This literature review from Enterprise’s Knowledge, Impact and Strategy team summarizes what we currently know from research about the effects of stable and affordable housing. We condense this research into defensible points – backed by solid supporting evidence – to serve as a resource for understanding and communicating the many impacts of affordable housing. While the research cited covers a wide range of disciplines and sources, it is only a starting point to understanding the profound impact of affordable housing. And while many knowledge gaps still exist, new research studies are constantly emerging. We are dedicated to supporting this research, as well as to sharing “what works” in improving the stability and quality of life for families and communities.

Affordable Housing & Household
Stability Nearly 19 million U.S. households pay over half their income on housing, and hundreds of thousands more have no home at all. Access to decent, affordable housing would provide critical stability for these families, and lower the risk that vulnerable families become homeless.

Affordable Housing & Economic Securit
High housing costs leave low-income families with little left over for other important expenses, leading to difficult budget trade-offs. Affordable housing increases the amount that families can put toward other important household needs and savings for the future.

Housing Stability & Education
Housing instability can seriously jeopardize children’s performance and success in school and contribute to long-lasting achievement gaps. Quality affordable housing helps create a stable environment for children, contributing to improved educational outcomes.