About Us

Research & Development Efforts

Although Homes for Working Families is still a relatively new organization, it is building on noteworthy results achieved during the research and development efforts that led in part to its creation.Initial work took place in three states - Illinois, North Carolina and Pennsylvania - to field-test potential tactics. These efforts produced positive outcomes for the participating organizations and provided helpful insights for the founders of Homes for Working Families.

Illinois

We partnered with Housing Illinois, a coalition of more than 40 stakeholders working to execute a communications outreach plan to generate the civic will to increase the supply of affordable homes throughout Illinois. We provided assistance to Housing Illinois, including regional data, messaging and strategic guidance. Pilot work also included public opinion surveys and focus groups in several Illinois cities to guide Housing Illinois' future outreach activities, tailor messages and shape tactics. These resources helped Housing Illinois increase its capacity, connect with new partners in the field and develop a successful public awareness campaign.

North Carolina

We partnered with the North Carolina Housing Coalition (NCHC), a nonprofit membership advocacy and resource organization working to generate safe and affordable homes and consumer protections that promote self-determination and stable communities for low-income North Carolinians. We provided assistance to NCHC, including regional data, messaging, strategic guidance, template media materials and training on educating media and policy-makers about the issue. Pilot work also included public opinion surveys and focus groups in several North Carolina cities to help tailor messages and shape tactics. These resources helped NCHC earn additional credibility in the field, forge new partnerships with previously uninterested opinion leaders, develop a widely distributed Communications Manual, increase its membership, and initiate an effort to increase funding for the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund.

Pennsylvania

We partnered with the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania (Housing Alliance), an organization dedicated to ensuring that all Pennsylvanians have access to decent, safe and affordable homes. We provided assistance to the Housing Alliance, including: regional data; messaging; template op-eds, media materials and talking points; media conference guidance; and training on educating media and policy-makers about the issue. Pilot work also included public opinion surveys and focus groups in several Pennsylvania cities to help tailor messages and shape tactics. These resources helped the Housing Alliance engage new allies and opinion leaders, as well as sponsor the first-ever committee hearings on affordable homes in the Pennsylvania House and Senate. The Housing Alliance also achieved news coverage and op-ed placements in regional newspapers and hosted a successful convening of statewide housing advocates.