In recent years, there has been an increased recognition of the impact of stable and quality housing on health outcomes, including for older adults with complex health and social needs.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted older adults and particularly older adults of color, has forced a rethinking of our long-term care system. As we straddle the pandemic and post-pandemic world, we have a unique window of opportunity to re-envision care for older adults that meets their needs.

With generous support from Arnold Ventures, and in partnership with the Leading Age LTSS Center @UMass Boston, we embarked on research to understand the barriers to successfully linking affordable housing and health care and chart potential solutions. Through focus groups with low-income older adults and stakeholder interviews, our research surfaced five key building blocks for success:

  • Emphasizing collaboration;
  • Ensuring resident control;
  • Being aware of what matters to residents;
  • Making it easier to secure capital and finance projects; and
  • Convening stakeholders to grow connectivity within the field

Read our report to learn more about our research findings and our three-pronged strategy to advance the role of affordable housing as hubs for addressing the health and social needs of low-income older adults.

Read the Report