Research & Tools
Research: Public Opinion Research
Homes for Working Families sponsors public opinion research to understand better key audiences' views on affordable homes. The research provides insight into effective tactics, arguments, data and language to communicate the critical importance of homes within reach of working families.
Bringing the Issue Home (PDF)
Peter D. Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion Strategies, January 2007
Most Americans worry about the lack of affordable homes much more than conventional wisdom might suggest, according to these studies. Also, this research indicates that state and local leaders understand the importance of affordable homes for working families to the economic growth of their communities. This brochure introduces new partners and allies to Homes for Working Families and our efforts to change policy to bring more homes within reach of working families. In addition, it highlights the findings of recent public opinion surveys conducted among the general public, working families and state and local leaders.
View the corresponding full reports:
Americans' Views of Home Affordability: Based on Surveys Among Adults in America's 50 Largest MSAs (PDF)
Conducted by: Peter D. Hart Research Associates
State and Local Leaders' Views of Home Affordability: Based on a Survey of Leaders in America's 50 Largest MSAs (PDF)
Conducted by: Public Opinion Strategies
Prior to the founding of Homes for Working Families, the Fannie Mae Foundation sponsored public opinion research that helped shape Homes for Working Families' strategy, tactics and messages. Those research reports can be accessed here.
Identifying Successful Tactics: Results of a Survey on Four Affordable Housing Case Studies Conducted for the Fannie Mae Foundation (PDF)
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, April 2005
Contrary to conventional wisdom, the more residents know about a development of affordable homes in their area — i.e., are familiar with it and/or consider it to be part of their neighborhood — the more likely they are to view the development positively, according to this study. This research surveyed adults who lived near affordable-home developments in four different cities.
Enhancing the Affordable Housing Message: A Summary of Findings from Additional Focus Groups Conducted for the Fannie Mae Foundation (PDF)
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, November 2004
"Affordable housing" is a term that often conjures images of blighted housing projects, according to this research, which was conducted in early 2004. This study points to alternative language to which the public and opinion leaders are more receptive when discussing the issue of affordable homes.
Raising Public Awareness of Affordable Housing: A Summary of Findings from Focus Groups Conducted for the Fannie Mae Foundation (PDF)
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, June 2004
Any effort that aims to raise awareness about the shortage of homes within reach of working families should advance themes of family, community and opportunity, according to this study. Effective messages about affordable homes typically capitalize on themes of self-interest as well as the sense among the general public that families that work hard and play by the rules deserve the opportunity to live in safe, decent homes.
Americans Speak Out on Affordable Housing: A Summary of Findings from Research Conducted for the Fannie Mae Foundation (PDF)
Peter D. Hart Research Associates, July-October 2003
The issue of home affordability is encumbered by its associations with public housing, architectural blight and very low-income or no-income populations, according to this research. Further, organizations working to increase the availability of affordable homes by changing policy must first educate key constituents about the issue, communicate clearly the benefits of affordable homes and evoke new images of affordable homes.
Results of the Fannie Mae Foundation Affordable Housing Survey (PDF)
Peter D. Hart Research Associates/Robert M. Teeter (Coldwater Corporation), May-June 2002
Most Americans recognize the difficulties that low- and moderate-income families face in finding affordable homes and would support state and local policy measures that could alleviate the problem, according to this study. This research was released at the 70th annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in July 2002.
