Moving to Opportunity for Fair Housing
An Evidence-Based Practice
This practice has been Archived and is no longer maintained.
Description
In 1994, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implemented the Moving to Opportunity for Fair Housing Demonstration (MTO) program, in 5 sites (Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City).
The goal of the program was to exert positive influences on behavior and lifestyle changes by replacing the neighborhood environments. Specifically, it aimed at changing neighborhoods characteristics such as peer group influences, school quality, and the availability of supervised after school activities.
The MTO offered participating families with children who lived in public housing in high-poverty neighborhoods Section 8 housing vouchers that could be used only in a low-poverty neighborhood (poverty rate ≤10%). The participants also received counseling from local nonprofit agencies that helped them find and lease units in qualifying neighborhoods.
The goal of the program was to exert positive influences on behavior and lifestyle changes by replacing the neighborhood environments. Specifically, it aimed at changing neighborhoods characteristics such as peer group influences, school quality, and the availability of supervised after school activities.
The MTO offered participating families with children who lived in public housing in high-poverty neighborhoods Section 8 housing vouchers that could be used only in a low-poverty neighborhood (poverty rate ≤10%). The participants also received counseling from local nonprofit agencies that helped them find and lease units in qualifying neighborhoods.
Goal / Mission
The goal of MTO was to impact behavior and lifestyle choices by changing neighborhood environments.
Results / Accomplishments
The program was evaluated by a randomized social experiment that used a comparison group (that was offered geographically unrestricted Section 8 housing vouchers) and a control group (that did not receive vouchers but remained eligible for public housing).
The study found better health outcomes among members of the MTO group and, in some instances, the comparison group compared to members of the control group. Adult obesity was reduced by 11% in the experimental group (p<.05). MTO increased perceived safety, with 55% of individuals in the control group reporting feeling safe at night in their neighborhoods compared with 71% and 85% in the Section 8 group and the experimental group respectively (p<.05). Girls aged 12 to 19 years in the experimental group and reported improved mental health, including reduced psychological distress, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (p<.05). Girls aged 15 to 19 years in the experimental group also had better health behaviors, such as lower rates of smoking and marijuana use (p<.05).
The study found better health outcomes among members of the MTO group and, in some instances, the comparison group compared to members of the control group. Adult obesity was reduced by 11% in the experimental group (p<.05). MTO increased perceived safety, with 55% of individuals in the control group reporting feeling safe at night in their neighborhoods compared with 71% and 85% in the Section 8 group and the experimental group respectively (p<.05). Girls aged 12 to 19 years in the experimental group and reported improved mental health, including reduced psychological distress, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (p<.05). Girls aged 15 to 19 years in the experimental group also had better health behaviors, such as lower rates of smoking and marijuana use (p<.05).
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development & Research
Primary Contact
Joan Kraft
451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410
(202) 708-4504, x109
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/progr...
451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410
(202) 708-4504, x109
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/progr...
Topics
Economy / Housing & Homes
Health / Prevention & Safety
Community / Social Environment
Health / Prevention & Safety
Community / Social Environment
Organization(s)
US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development & Research
Date of publication
Jun 2003
Date of implementation
Jun 1994
Geographic Type
Rural
Location
Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New Y
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens, Adults