NHC’s research affiliate, the Center for Housing Policy, specializes in developing solutions through research. In partnership with NHC and its members, the Center works to broaden understanding of the nation’s housing challenges and to examine the impact of policies and programs developed to address these needs. 

Combining research and practical, real-world expertise, the Center helps to develop effective policy solutions at the national, state and local levels that increase the availability of affordable homes.

Here's how the Center works to achieve this mission:

1.    Expanding Awareness of the Nation’s Housing Challenges:
       By working closely with some of the nation’s leading housing researchers, as well as conducting our
       own analyses, the Center seeks to raise awareness of the housing challenges facing American    
       households, with a particular emphasis on the housing needs of working families with low- to    
       moderate-incomes. From the unique graphical style of our publications to our online interactive  
       databases, this research is presented in a format accessible to policymakers, the public and   
       practitioners alike.

2.    Strengthening Housing Policies for Working Families: 
       The Center goes beyond documenting housing problems to identify proven solutions and bring them to
       the attention of community leaders.  Through our research, we collect and analyze information on
       programs and policies from around the country that have been shown to expand housing opportunities
       for working families.  The Center shares this information in an easy-to-follow format that provides a
       roadmap for developing effective state and local housing strategies. 

3.    Documenting and Strengthening the Connections Between Affordable Housing and Key Social Objectives: 
       The Center works to identify the important connections between stable, affordable housing and other
       social objectives, such as improved health, stronger educational outcomes, reduced crime, and
       community and economic development.  Through this work, the Center seeks to expand the base of
       support for affordable housing and to develop housing policies that more effectively achieve key social
       objectives.