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