Insights From Developmental and Formative Evaluations: Developing and Implementing a Limited-Term Housing Mobility...

Area of Science:

• Program Evaluation
• Community-Based Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Limited Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) and affordable housing options hinder national housing needs.
• HCV recipients face challenges using vouchers in high-opportunity areas.
• A novel housing mobility program was developed to increase affordable housing supply.

Purpose of the Study:

• Demonstrate how evaluation methods inform program development.
• Outline the development of the Families Flourish housing mobility program.
• Examine implementation progress and immediate outcomes using mixed methods.

Main Methods:

• Utilized developmental and formative evaluations.
• Employed mixed methods for assessing implementation and outcomes.
• Required extensive collaboration with stakeholders, partners, and the project team.

Main Results:

• Formative evaluation indicated enhanced housing security improved parent and child physical and mental health.
• Stable, safe neighborhoods correlated with increased employment, education, and income.
• Developmental evaluation underscored the importance of evaluator communication and collaboration skills.

Conclusions:

• Evaluation methods are crucial for effective program development and refinement.
• Housing mobility programs can yield significant health and socioeconomic benefits for participants.
• Recommendations for policy and future research are provided based on lessons learned.