Lack of stable housing for expecting mothers negatively impacts both women and children.

Each year, about 160,000 new mothers in the U.S. are homeless at some time in their pregnancy. Babies born to women who struggled with housing insecurity during their pregnancy face an increased risk of premature birth or low birth weight, which, in turn, can lead to longer hospital stays, more intensive medical care, and more time in the NICU. Babies born early face more health complications and long-term developmental challenges. The trauma of housing insecurity can also have a long-term impact on a child’s understanding of the world and the way they process information.

The research is clear that a lack of stable housing for expecting mothers negatively impacts both women and children. However, less is known about what programs can do to help offset these risks. Maternity homes are an under-studied intervention that could improve outcomes for expecting mothers and their babies. These services seek to provide stable housing and comprehensive services that address both the immediate housing needs of pregnant women, as well as set the mother and child on a path towards long-term self-sufficiency.

NORC will conduct follow-up interviews with the mothers, one year post-intervention.

Through a randomized control trial, the Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) is partnering with several maternity homes across the United States. Expectant mothers who enter the maternity home receive housing, supportive services, and parenting guidance while they work towards their education and employment goals. After residents leave the home, many maternity homes maintain some degree of contact, care, and support with the residents. 

NORC will conduct online follow-up surveys with both mothers who have entered the maternity home and those who did not, one year after their due date.