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Urban Institute researchers focus their efforts on a variety of topical areas. Here is an ongoing catalog of factsheets that offer Q&As, expert contacts, and links to overviews and current research.

baby being fed with a spoonVulnerable Infants and Toddlers

The earliest days and months of a child's life are vital for human development. Healthy development for some children, however, is put at risk because of poverty, unsteady home lives, or significant disabilities. The good news is that intervening with effective services has been shown to have significant returns to society.

public housingPublic Housing Transformation

In 1992, 1.3 million low-income families lived in distressed public housing, struggling to overcome crime, ineffective schools, and scarce employment. The HOPE VI program was created to replace these developments with mixed-income housing and to give residents vouchers to move to better neighborhoods.

father and sonChildren of Immigrants

Children with immigrant parents—whether legal or illegal—are the fastest growing segment of the nation’s child population, making up about 20 percent of all children in the United States. Children of immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants, often face greater hardship than their native counterparts.

brown-eyed babyChildren without Health Insurance

In 2004, 9 million children were uninsured, or almost 12 percent of all children. While rates of insurance have increased in recent years, many parents still don’t take advantage of public coverage. Low-income and minority children are most likely to be uninsured.


mother and child looking out over a cityLow-Income Working Families

Most low-income parents today work but still find it challenging to improve their lot in life. They struggle to find work, pay bills, and raise their children.


a sign pointing towards HOMEPrisoner Reentry

More than 650,000 federal and state prisoners reenter society each year, often with little or no supervision. Their efforts to avoid returning to prison are countered by a wide variety of obstacles including difficulties finding work and housing; histories of substance abuse and poor health; and communities that offer little support.