Summary

Healthy Beginnings at Home (HBAH) tested the impact of providing rental assistance with housing stabilization services to unstably housed pregnant women at risk of infant mortality. The study was founded by Ohio Housing Finance Agency and several other public and private organizaitons.

The report includes several key findings:

  1. HBAH contributed to large reductions in Medicaid spending, while impacts on health outcomes were more difficult to assess
  2. HBAH improved housing stability
  3. Ongoing rental assistance and intensive housing stabilization services are critical for families at high risk for infant mortality
  4. HBAH families faced substantial economic challenges that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic
  5. Racism, trauma and violence must be addressed.

Authors: Health Policy Institute of Ohio

Publication Date: June 2021

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