MIT Center Launches Free Hub to Help Leaders Tackle Homelessness

J-PAL North America, a research and policy center based in the MIT Department of Economics, has launched a free online platform called the Homelessness Evaluation Resource Hub. Developed with financial support from Google.org, the public repository aims to provide leaders, policymakers, and researchers with the tools needed to measure program impacts and find effective solutions for housing stability.

Using and Generating Evidence

The new hub is split into two main sections focused on applying existing data and creating new research. The first section provides policy briefs summarizing studies on five key interventions: Housing First, emergency financial assistance, case management, legal aid in housing court, and housing vouchers. It also includes past evidence reviews covering numerous evaluations from across North America.

The second section features seven educational modules addressing foundational concepts for impact evaluations. These topics cover research ethics, data collection, measurement, and methods for randomization in the homelessness sector. The materials draw on years of training experience and interviews with government leaders, service providers, and academic researchers.

Bridging Research and Practice

David Phillips, a research professor of economics at the University of Notre Dame who served as the scientific advisor for the project, noted that combining the insights of academics and practitioners helps teams work toward shared goals. Laina Sonterblum, a policy and communications manager at J-PAL North America, stated that the platform offers an accessible entry point for anyone seeking to maximize the effectiveness of local housing policies.