USC Study Urges School-Housing Partnerships to Support Students

Research examines how education and housing agencies can work together to prevent disruptions to student learning and well-being.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A new USC Rossier-led study found that housing instability often surfaces in schools only after learning is disrupted, through absences, midyear moves or academic and mental health challenges. The report highlights the need for more upstream interventions that support families at risk of eviction before displacement occurs, as well as the importance of cross-sector school-housing partnerships and rigorous research to evaluate their impact.

Why it matters

Housing costs are at an all-time high, and families, particularly those from marginalized communities, are increasingly vulnerable to displacement. This housing instability can have long-term negative consequences for students' academic outcomes, attendance and overall well-being. Schools cannot solve the housing crisis alone, but there are opportunities to better align housing and education systems to protect students.

The details

The study, led by USC Rossier Professor Huriya Jabbar, examined how education systems and housing agencies across the country are working together to support students whose families face eviction, displacement or unaffordable housing. Key findings include: 1) Housing instability often surfaces in schools only after learning is disrupted; 2) Most school-based supports respond after homelessness occurs, leaving families at risk of eviction without early, preventive assistance; and 3) Upstream housing policies, such as rental assistance and eviction prevention, can reduce school disruption by stabilizing families before displacement.

  • The study was published on February 12, 2026.

The players

Huriya Jabbar

A professor at the USC Rossier School of Education who led the study.

Jennifer Jellison Holme

A professor at the University of Texas at Austin who was part of the research team.

Ann Owens

A professor at the University of California, Los Angeles who was part of the research team.

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What they’re saying

“A large majority of households that experience eviction are households with children. Many of those children are school-age, and research consistently shows that eviction has long-term negative consequences for students' academic outcomes, attendance and overall well-being.”

— Huriya Jabbar (Mirage News)

“One of our key findings is that we need more upstream interventions. Policies that support families who are at risk of eviction, but not yet displaced, might help prevent instability before it disrupts children's education.”

— Huriya Jabbar (Mirage News)

What’s next

The report calls on policymakers, school leaders and researchers to invest in prevention-focused housing policies, strengthen cross-sector collaboration and build the data infrastructure needed to evaluate what works and for whom.

The takeaway

By showcasing diverse models from across the country, the researchers hope to inspire education and housing leaders to adapt solutions to their local contexts and to recognize housing stability as a foundational condition for student success.