Monthly cash payments to help low-income Philadelphia families secure housing and improve health
Evaluating the impact of PHLHousing+ on reducing health disparities
This project gives low-income Philadelphia families with children monthly unconditional cash to help them afford housing and see whether that leads to better health and fewer emergency visits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122204 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The project enrolls 1,284 Philadelphia households with incomes below 50% of area median and at least one child under 16 and randomly places them into three groups: a Cash group that receives monthly unconditional payments, a Voucher group that is eligible for or using rental vouchers, and a Control group on the PHA waitlist. Monthly payments range widely (median about $881) and vary by household size, income, and local rents. Researchers will track housing stability, health outcomes, use of emergency health services, and access to higher-opportunity neighborhoods over time. Most participating households are headed by single women and are predominantly Black, and the study follows both adults and children in these families.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are Philadelphia households earning under 50% of area median income with at least one child under 16, including those on the Philadelphia Housing Authority waitlist or using rental vouchers.
Not a fit: Families without children under 16, households with incomes above 50% of area median, or people living outside Philadelphia are not eligible and would not directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help families gain more stable housing, improve physical and mental health, and reduce reliance on emergency care.
How similar studies have performed: Prior voucher and cash-transfer programs have improved housing stability and some health or economic outcomes, but large randomized comparisons testing monthly unconditional cash specifically for health impacts are still limited.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaffee, Sara R — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Jaffee, Sara R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.