Roadmap to a unified measure of housing insecurity

Read the full PDF in your browser (opens in a new tab)

We argue for the development of a unified measure of housing insecurity, which includes the creation of a consistent definition and an instrument that allows researchers to accurately measure the problem. Our survey of the literature uncovers that there are multiple terms and definitions used to describe housing insecurity. Based on our analysis, we argue for one term, housing insecurity, and we put forth a definition that captures the various dimensions of this issue. Ultimately, we believe expert policy makers, practitioners, and academicians should convene to define and develop this measure, and that the development of the U.S. Food Security Survey Module provides a blueprint for how this can be accomplished.