Stable Housing. Healthier Moms and Babies.

Why This Program Matters

Housing instability is one of the hidden drivers behind poor maternal and infant health, but it doesn’t have to be. Healthy Beginnings at Home was created change the story. Through rental support, personalized case management, and strong ties to healthcare providers, the program helps pregnant women stay housed, access the care they need, and bring their babies into a more secure and healthy start in life.

Stable housing reduces infant mortality and improves family health

Housing stability improves academic and career success

Reduces Ohio’s Medicaid spending

HBAH Final Report, June 2021

HBAH Policy Manual

Overview

What Is Healthy Beginnings at Home?

Healthy Beginnings at Home (HBAH) is a proven model that connects pregnant women facing housing instability with safe, stable housing and the necessary support services to ensure a healthier pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experience. HBAH began as a pilot program in Columbus that since has expanded into Cleveland, Akron, and Dayton.

Our Mission and Goals

The program offers a comprehensive combination of housing support and wraparound services, designed to help pregnant women achieve stability, access essential care, and build a healthier future for themselves and their babies.

Stabilizing housing during and after pregnancy

Improving prenatal and postpartum health outcomes

Reducing state Medicaid spending

Demonstrating the impact of housing on long-term health

Empowering communities to replicate and scale housing-based health interventions across the state

Who We Serve

HBAH supports pregnant women experiencing housing instability, economic hardship, and elevated risk of poor birth outcomes, especially in communities with high infant mortality rates.

How HBAH Supports Pregnant Women and Families

Rental assistance

Provides a safe, decent, affordable home for pregnant women experiencing housing instability, economic hardship, and elevated risk of poor birth outcomes.

Intensive case management

Helps families stay housed during pregnancy and beyond, reducing stress and improving birth outcomes.

Referrals to maternal health services and community supports

Connects participants with OB/GYNs, clinics, and supportive services that address both health and housing needs.

Partnerships with healthcare providers

Partnerships with healthcare providers promote coordinated care that improves both medical care and housing stability for pregnant families.

Outcomes

What the Data Shows

The evidence speaks for itself: providing housing stability alongside wraparound services leads to healthier pregnancies, safer deliveries, and stronger long-term outcomes for families.

Key Findings

An independent evaluation of Healthy Beginnings at Home demonstrates the significant impact that stable housing can have on mothers and their babies.

Fewer incidents of infant mortality

Increased prenatal care access and attendance

Fewer emergency room visits and complications during pregnancy

Improved housing stability after childbirth

Cost savings across the healthcare and housing sectors

Reports and Resources

These reports offer in-depth data, policy recommendations, and practical tools for communities interested in implementing the model in their local areas.

HUD Office of Policy Development & Research: Healthy Beginnings at Home Explores a Novel Approach to Reducing Infant Mortality in Columbus, Ohio.

Maternal and Child Health Journal: Characteristics Associated with Homeless Pregnant Women in Columbus, Ohio

Center For Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research, The Abigale Wexner Research Institute At Nationwide Children’s Hospital: Healthy Beginnings at Home Pilot Report

Healthy Beginnings at Home Replication Template

Partners Making This Work Possible

Thanks to our partners in housing, healthcare, and philanthropy for supporting HBAH.

Partners Making This Work Possible

Thanks to our partners in housing, healthcare, and philanthropy for supporting HBAH.

Service Coordination:

Care Coordination:

Lead Consultant:

Contact Us for More Information

Do you have questions or would you like to learn more about bringing Healthy Beginnings at Home to your area?
Connect with our team and regional partners below.

General inquiries

Shayna Bryant

COHHIO

614-280-1984 ext. 151

Akron inquiries

Shaleeta Smith

Summit County Health Department

330-926-5629

Cleveland inquiries

Alvonta Jenkins

First Year Cleveland

216-368-2327

Dayton inquiries

Lisa Henderson

Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association

937-228-1000