PHLHousing+ effects on child exposure to violence in Philadelphia
RFA-CE-24-034 :Evaluating the impact of PHLHousing+ on child welfare involvement
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11164459
Low-income Philadelphia families with children are receiving monthly cash payments or rental vouchers to find out whether more stable housing lowers kids' exposure to violence.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11164459 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I'm a renter in Philadelphia with a child under 16, this project randomly assigns families to one of three groups: monthly cash payments for 2.5 years, a rental voucher, or remaining on the local housing authority waitlist. The study follows 1,389 households (about 2,678 children), most headed by single women and largely Black, with surveys every six months for three years. Payments vary by household size and income, and all families complete online surveys to report housing and safety experiences. The goal is to track whether the different housing supports change children's exposure to violence and related family outcomes over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are Philadelphia renters earning below 50% of area median income who have at least one child under 16 and are eligible for or on the Philadelphia Housing Authority waitlist.
Not a fit: People who live outside Philadelphia, do not have children under 16, or who earn above the income cutoff would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could support policies that give stable housing resources to reduce children's exposure to violence and improve family well-being.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cash-transfer and voucher programs have shown benefits for family economic stability and some child outcomes, but evidence specifically on reducing children's exposure to violence is limited and mixed.
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.