On the Path to Health Equity: Building Capacity to Measure Health Outcomes in Community Development

The Health Outcomes Demonstration Project addressed the lack of standard measurement practices by helping 20 affordable housing and community development organizations evaluate the health outcomes of one of their programs. This national initiative was jointly designed and implemented by NeighborWorks America and Enterprise Community Partners, two national intermediaries in the affordable housing and community development field. The 20 organizations from across the United States that participated in the Health Outcomes Demonstration Project evaluated a range of community-based programs that address the Social Determinants of Health. The evaluated programs include neighborhood improvement and community safety initiatives, youth education and services, housing improvements, and service coordination for residents in crisis, as well as housing-based services that focus on nutrition, physical activity, financial literacy, social activities, mental health and employment.