Research

Beyond Dollars and Cents: Exploring Budgeting, Saving, and Financial Security in the Houston Area

This study explores Harris County residents’ financial security, looking at their budgeting and saving practices, barriers people face to budgeting and saving, and how these practices relate to someone being able to withstand economic shocks.

Coffee & Quality Case Study #2: Alexander Jewish Family Service

The second Coffee & Quality Case Study focused on Alexander Jewish Family Service, a social service nonprofit working with individuals of all ages located in southwest Houston.

Middle School Experiences and Exit: Perspectives From Parents

This study utilizes parent survey and interview data to study motivations behind middle school student mobility.

Pre-K Enrollment and Early Elementary Outcomes (Briefs 1 and 2)

This series examines the influence of the passage of Texas House Bill 3 (HB3) and Covid-19 pandemic on public pre-K enrollment and attendance. It also looks at how participation in public pre-K programs is associated with early elementary outcomes such as kindergarten readiness, chronic absenteeism, and English proficiency.

Voting Intention and Election Concerns in Advance of the 2024 U.S. General Election

This study explores people’s intention to vote in the 2024 U.S. general election.

Neighborhood Opportunity Mapping

Researchers assisted the Houston Housing Authority in data collection and analysis to identify opportunity neighborhoods (areas with high-performing schools, low crime rates, access to jobs, and other characteristics).

Mental Health and Well-Being of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Residents in the Houston Area

This series of briefs provides a demographic snapshot of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals in the Houston area and looks at how the Covid-19 pandemic impacted their mental health and well-being. The series also explores mental health care service use and barriers to utilization.

Houston and Harris County Residents’ Experiences With Perceived Crimes and Incidents Motivated by Bias and Prejudice

This study aims to understand area residents’ experiences of incidents and crimes they believe to be motivated by bias or prejudice.

Housing Repair Needs Reported by Residents of Houston and Harris County

The Kinder Institute surveyed Houston and Harris County residents in targeted neighborhoods about the condition of their homes and neighborhoods.

Hurricane Harvey and Student Homelessness (Briefs 1 and 2)

Brief 1 of this two-part series examines the characteristics of students who became homeless due to Hurricane Harvey. Brief 2 explores the educational outcomes of these students.