CORE Posters Fall 2025

Phase 1: Development of Field-Tested Survey for Community-Based Intervention by Osteopathic Medical Students to Assistant Tenants and Non-Profit Housing Organizations in Accessing HUD- Funded Rental Properties (Group S) Authors: Nathaniel Heims, OMS II, Jenny Jung, OMS II, Isabella Evans-Riester, OMS II, Jackie Kronen, OMS II, Shannon Levine, OMS II, Jonas Lane, OMS II, Angelica Joshi, OMS II, Jessica Nicholson, MAT, Dr. Bernard Kadio, MD, MPH, PhD Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Preventative Medicine, Blacksburg, VA.

Phase 1: Results

Abstract

Conclusion

With the conclusion of phase 1, the proposed survey to fill the gap in knowledge and have accessible information for housing qualifications has been shown to provide valid and pertinent data. In addition, the survey was able to accurately capture information regarding housing qualifications that can be useful to prospective applicants and tenants. The research is expected to continue onto Phase 2 with dissemination of the survey to other housing entities in the New River Valley upon receiving IRB approval.

Housing is an essential component of an individual’s health. Current literature shows a strong correlation between homelessness and negative health outcomes 1 and that providing permanent housing solutions leads to improved overall health and quality of life. 2 In partnership with ToOurHouse, a non-profit organization that provides shelter through the winter months and resources to help the homeless population find and obtain permanent housing, our research seeks to increase accessibility to permanent housing and improve health outcomes for individuals facing homelessness.

Expected Outcomes

Study Phases

The expected outcome of this research is to provide accessible addition information regarding qualifications to acquire permanent housing to allow for people experiencing homelessness to have better access to finding housing. • Based on the results from the Phase 1 of this research, this research can increase accessibility for permanent housing to those experiencing homelessness. • The results from the conclusion of this research can allow other organizations like ToOurHouse to be able to provide and access pertinent information that can aid in their work in the community. • By increasing access of housing through information on how to qualify for local housing, the impact of this research can increase health outcomes of those who are able to find permanent housing after period of experiencing housing insecurity. • Ultimately, increasing the health, it would ultimately alleviate the pressure and burden of the healthcare system and increasing access to local healthcare

To validate the survey to be used in Phase 2 of the research project, a small sample size of properties within the New River Valley was used. Landlords/leasing companies were randomly selected, and team members conducted over the phone surveys. The following are examples of questions that are asked to landlords/associations who oversee selecting/approving tenants during Phase 1: o Do you participate in a housing program: Yes/No; How many units are currently in use and what is the total number of units? o How many years remain in your affordability period? o Do you screen for a criminal record and if so, how far do you go back - If yes, what are any automatic disqualifications? o Are there any income requirements? If yes, what are those requirements? o What are the biggest challenges/frustrations in working with HUDPrograms? o What could be improved with HUD Programs? What should prospective tenants know before moving into your property? Phase 1: Validate the survey to use for future data collection. To achieve our goal of making permanent housing more available, we must ensure the survey we have will provide the intended data to meet the goals of this research. Phase 2: Dissemination of the validated survey to continue to collect information about tenant requirements for individual properties within the New River Valley. Phase 3: Development of an accessible database with data regarding the properties in the New River Valley with their unique tenant requirements for organizations like ToOurHouse to use in the process of tenants finding permanent housing. Phase 1: Methods

Figure 1. Average Time on Waitlist in Months. Preliminary data suggests that Montgomery County has the lowest time on waitlist on average while Pulaski County having the longest average waitlist time followed closely by Floyd County.

References

1.Richards J, Kuhn R. Unsheltered Homelessness and Health: A Literature Review. AJPM Focus. 2022;2(1):100043. doi:10.1016/j.focus.2022.100043 2. Onapa H, Sharpley CF, Bitsika V, McMillan ME, MacLure K, Smith L, Agnew LL. The physical and mental health effects of housing homeless people: A systematic review. Health & Social Care in the Community. 2022;30(2):448-468. doi:10.1111/hsc.13486

Figure 2. Residential Units Available By Type. Preliminary data suggests that student designated housing is the most prominent type followed by a mixed type which facilitates a variety of populations with elderly specific housing being the least prominent in the New River Valley.

Acknowledgements

First, we'd like to honor and thank the ToOurHouse organization for this research opportunity and for being an active participant in this proccess. We'd also like to thank Dr. Bernard Kadio and Mrs. Nicholson for their continued guidance and feedback for the success of this research. This research was supported by VCOM Virginia Campus and pending internal IRB approval.