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Housing Equity for Infant Health Initiative

Housing is a critical determinant of maternal and child health. We are committed to securing systems changes that improve access to stable, affordable, and high-quality housing for all mothers and children in Indiana.

Our initiative has two interventions:

  • Healthy Beginnings at Home – A pilot program providing 24 months of rental assistance, housing navigation, and housing case management to pregnant women in Marion County
  • Health-Justice Intervention – A project advancing housing as a human right for mothers and their families

Healthy Beginnings at Home

Healthy Beginnings at Home (HBAH) is a pilot program providing 24 months of support to pregnant women in Marion County who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. In addition to being recipients of this service, participants are part of our research efforts to show the impact of stable housing and social support on maternal and infant health.


Purpose of the study

To understand the effects of stable housing on health outcomes and healthcare utilization for mothers and infants.


Study structure

HBAH is a two year program for those who are enrolled.

  • Two participants are enrolled in the study and HBAH program each month.
  • The HBAH program provides:
    • Housing navigation
    • Tapering rental assistance
    • Case management.
  • Participants engage in interviews, surveys, and an optional focus group to provide insight into their strengths, current and past pregnancies, housing situation, and barriers to gaining financial stability, etc.

Participant Eligibility

Participants enrolled in Healthy Beginnings at Home must:

  • currently have CareSource Medicaid
  • be in Marion County
  • be in their first or second trimester of pregnancy, and
  • be experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Recruitment is currently open, however, there is limited space available.

Questions? Email us at HealthyBeginningsAtHomeIU@gmail.com.

See if you are eligible for the Health Beginnings at Home program

Key Accomplishments


Partners

Resources and Links

Leadership

Paige Klemme Headshot

Paige Klemme, PhD, LSW

Director, Healthy Beginnings at Home

Deb Fisher Headshot

Deb Fisher, BSW, MEd

Case Manager