Housing Plus Services in Public Housing: A Narrative Review of Approaches and Evidence

Abstract

The importance of housing and neighborhood conditions for health has led to calls to integrate housing plus services interventions in public housing. However, the effectiveness of different models on resident outcomes is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to assess housing plus services intervention models, components, and effects on resident self-sufficiency and health outcomes, and develop a composite theory of change across interventions. Findings from a narrative review of the literature suggest substantial variation in service models and limited effects on resident outcomes. Interventions that tailor services and treatment intensity based on family needs show promising effects. With notable exceptions, current interventions do not operate at the level of intensity required to create significant change. Social work research, policy, and practice recommendations are discussed to envision new models of care.