View Research by Author - Jennifer Biess

Jennifer Biess is a research assistant in the Metropolitan Housing and Communities policy center at the Urban Institute. Since arriving at the Urban Institute in June of 2011, Ms. Biess has been involved in projects covering a wide range of topics, including Native American housing needs and the role of housing as a platform for improving other outcomes.

Ms. Biess graduated magna cum laude from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and political science with a concentration in comparative politics. While at Illinois Wesleyan, Ms. Biess interned at NORC at the University of Chicago where she played an integral role in studying telephone survey non-response through the use of focus groups and content analysis. She also researched the effectiveness of housing programs for the rural communities of the Scottish Highlands while interning at the Scottish Parliament.

Publications

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program provides low income households the ability to affordably rent decent housing practically anywhere in the United States. And yet, voucher holders largely live in a relatively small number of low opportunity neighborhoods. In order to fully exercise their housing choice, program participants need quality information about the housing options available and tools to overcome real and perceived barriers in the private rental market. Drawing on the best available research and model programs from across the country, this toolkit provides practical advice on how to plan and implement a housing mobility program to overcome these challenges.

This policy framing paper is one of three that explores the potential for housing combined with support services to create better outcomes for vulnerable populations. The U.S. population of formerly incarcerated individuals has increased dramatically over the past decade, resulting in sweeping consequences to individuals and families, communities, safety, and public spending. Against the backdrop of these reentry challenges, this paper discusses how housing can be a platform or pathway toward more successful reentry and reintegration for formerly incarcerated persons. The authors then identify research needed to inform policymakers and practitioners in meeting the housing and service needs of this at-risk group. This framing paper is part of a series of field-building research agendas produced under the What Works Collaborative. More information can be found on the What Works Collaborative web page.

This policy framing paper is one of three that explores the potential for housing combined with support services to create better outcomes for vulnerable populations. The aging of the U.S. population will have profound implications for society, the economy, and the health care system. This paper focuses on mitigating the impacts on low-income older renters and on how housing can provide a platform for supporting their independence and well-being. The authors establish a theoretical basis and empirical evidence that shows a link between favorable housing and positive life outcomes. They propose research that can inform policymakers and practitioners in meeting the housing and service needs of this at-risk group. This framing paper is part of a series of field-building research agendas produced under the What Works Collaborative. More information can be found on the What Works Collaborative web page

Return to list of authors