Housing instability is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, and The Housing Equity for Infant Health Initiative addresses that key social determinant of poor infant health.
The initiative supports pregnant and parenting women in Marion County, Ind., who are experiencing housing instability or poor housing quality. Using evidence-based research, the initiative aims to address city, state, and federal policy and systemic barriers that keep women and parents from having quality and stable housing.
Jack Turman Jr., PhD, professor in the Fairbanks School of Public Health and director of the Housing Equity for Infant Health Initiative, said that the organization is honored to carry out the mission of advancing infant health equity across Indianapolis.
“All of our incredible partners worked so hard alongside us to put this grant together. We look forward to working to improve our city’s infant and maternal health outcomes by building systems that support housing equity for our most vulnerable moms and babies,” said Dr. Turman.
The initiative plans to bring an evidence-based intervention for pregnant women experiencing housing instability to Marion County. It will provide housing navigation services, 24 months of tapering rental assistance, and housing case management to pregnant women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The initiative aims to serve at least 100 families over the grant period.
