Supportive neighborhoods

Overview

Neighborhoods influence family well-being, shape social networks, and determine access to economic opportunity. Individuals living in healthy, safe, well-resourced communities are more likely to experience positive outcomes at every life stage.

Health, housing, community development, and public safety strategies can help produce more supportive neighborhoods.

Evidence-based strategies

Helping low- and moderate-income households access private market housing
Housing and community development
Tracking, demolishing, and beautifying vacant or abandoned properties and lots
Housing and community development
Providing low-income residents with broadband internet access, hardware subsidies, and digital skills classes
Housing and community development
Stimulating neighborhood economies through physical improvements and supports for new and existing businesses
Housing and community development
Reducing crime by cultivating relationships between community members and those at high risk for being involved with violence
Justice and public safety
Using legislative, operational, and financial methods to facilitate the construction of more affordable housing
Housing and community development
Reducing recidivism and generating major cost savings while providing accountability, engagement, and support services
Justice and public safety Post-secondary education and workforce development
Using research and data analysis to set goals and identify specific strategies and tactics to achieve them
Justice and public safety
Providing unconditional cash transfers to residents at regular intervals
Financial security
Preventing gun violence through limiting gun access and circulation, and raising public awareness 
Health and well-being Justice and public safety
Increasing housing stability for tenants at risk of displacement and homelessness
Housing and community development Justice and public safety Financial security
Removing cost and distance barriers to healthy food for children and families
Health and well-being
Using legislative, regulatory, and operational levers to create conditions for more housing supply
Housing and community development
Ensuring that existing affordable homes and rental units remain safe, healthy, and high-quality
Housing and community development Health and well-being
Using trained behavioral health professionals to provide emergency support services focused on health and de-escalation
Health and well-being Justice and public safety
Improving physical and mental health, creating opportunities for residents to interact with each other, and building climate resilience.
Housing and community development
Connecting individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with stable, unconditional housing and support services
Justice and public safety Housing and community development Health and well-being
Making public transit accessible through physical infrastructure, service improvements, and financial supports
Housing and community development
Leveraging health services, legal interventions, and community-wide initiatives to treat and prevent drug use and addiction
Health and well-being Justice and public safety
Direct supports for foster youth, training programs for prospective foster parents, foster care models, and programs aiming to preserve and reunify families
Health and well-being
Maximizing the number of people — including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians — who can safely and efficiently utilize public streets and thoroughfares
Housing and community development Justice and public safety
Facilitating residents' transitions to full-time employment through subsidized jobs and wraparound support services
Post-secondary education and workforce development Justice and public safety
Supporting wealth creation for low-income households through a range of savings models
Financial security