Latino Health and Housing Study in Washoe County, NV
A collaboration between Community Research Leaders and the University of Nevada's Department of Geography and Latino Research Center
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Our study
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Our study examines the impact of housing instability and its spatial features on the mental well-being and family functioning of Northern Nevada’s Latino and Hispanic families. This project is funded by a 2020 Robert Wood Johnson Interdisciplinary Leaders Grant. While this project was conceived prior to the spread of COVID-19, we recognize that the pandemic has significantly impacted the relationship between housing and mental health in communities of color.
With evidence-based research, guided by community input and participation, the goals of this project are to:
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- Increase public and government awareness about the unique dimensions of housing instability experienced by Hispanic and Latino families, nearly 1/4 of Washoe County's population, the impacts of housing instability on mental health that widens the opportunity gap, and the relational aspects of housing needs that consider family structure and networks of care.
- Cultivate political and community will towards eviction reform, industry accountability, housing discrimination, and affordable and inclusive housing policies that are resilient through crisis.
- Provide the research and communication tools and resources to flex community power to advocate for housing stability at local and state levels.
- Improve the type and reach of services related to housing and health, and strengthen the network of community support around housing and health in the community.
- Create visibility of housing rights and resources for Hispanic and Latino individuals and families, particularly those who are undocumented.
Our "River of Life": the genealogy of our project. The team spent an afternoon visualizing in markers the political and social conditions and personal and professional motivations that brought us together as a team to study housing and health in our community.
The Research Team
Victoria Rios
Community Engagement Lead. Owner of Community Research Leaders, LLC.
Email: vriosnv@gmail.com
Dr. Jessie Clark
Associate Professor, Department of Geography, University of Nevada, Reno.
Email: jessieclark@unr.edu
Dr. Julie Lucero
Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, College of Health; Associate Professor, Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Utah.
Email: julie.lucero@health.utah.edu
Abigail Navarro Munoz
Family Research Specialist [August 2021-August 2022].
Francesca Rodriguez-Hart
Master's Student, Geography Department, University of Nevada, Reno.
Karla Rodriguez
Community Research Organizer.
Kaiden Mejia-Amaya
Latino Research Center Student Worker, University of Nevada, Reno.
Community Advisory & Research Board
Ebert Rodriguez
"My name is Ebert Rodriguez; I am an active member of the Northern Nevada Latina Community. For myself, civic engagement is important. Myself and others being part of the Latinx community, we must be conscious about what is happening around us and keep ourselves together. Staying together makes us stronger and this way the people who represent us in the government will be able to hear our voices. This is the big reason why this study is so important for our community. It will be a great tool to use if we want to witness positive changes and improve the environment in which we live."
María Fernández
"I have been a member of Washoe County since 1999 and have strived towards changing how our underrepresented communities are served. Research has shown that people from diverse communities are most affected long-term by pre-existing inequities ingrained in complex and difficult systems. One of my passions is social justice, which is why I am part of this group. Understanding how the lack of access to affordable and safe housing affects our Latinx community is essential. I passionately believe that to create change, we must elevate the voices of underserved populations. To access the perspectives of the Latinx community of Northern Nevada, we must ensure we create culturally relevant spaces for the Latinx community. Safe and brave spaces must be cushioned with empathic listening, understanding, and strength-based mindsets that empower participants to share their testimonies and experiences. A series of meaningful conversations, findings, and artifacts will influence this study and eventually bring resources to improve access to the Latinx community to affordable housing and high-quality healthcare. It is an honor to be part of this group and part of this change. "
Jose Neri Jimenez
"I’m a part of the Latino community in Northern Nevada. My desire is to see housing and health changes in the Hispanic community and that is why it is necessary for all of us to get involved. It is a privilege for me to belong to the collaborative group and I hope to see a change in our community."
Fátima Rivas
"Fátima believes that access to housing, health and social wellbeing are universal rights. At the same she acknowledges that the families have the power to change the social systems to build more just communities, equitable and free. Her participation in this study is the opportunity to raise the voice of our communities to make significant changes to northern Nevada. She is thankful for the opportunity to be part of this group of leaders."
Oscar Macias
"I believe this project is a great way to be able to bring a solution to the health and housing problems that are affecting the Latino community. What motivates me to be a part of this project is to be able to identify the problems through this study, resources, and discover the dignity and security of the Latino community. I am proud to belong to this group that cares about the well-being and social justice of the Latino community."
Juan Manuel Briones
"My name is Juan Manuel Briones, I am originally from Mexico City, from a very young age I have been interested in community service and finding ways to help our society; For this reason, I decided to join this Collaborative Research Board with the purpose of investigating the causes and origins of issues the Hispanic community in Northern Nevada experience. I hope that with cooperation and teamwork we can reach and complete our goals for the good of our community and leave a precedent that can serve and help future generations."
Academic partners
Left to right: Jafeth Sanchez, Scott Kelley, Chrissy Klenke, Sarah Canham.
Dr. Jafeth Sanchez Co-Investigator, Director Latino Research Center, UNR
Dr. Scott Kelley, Project Mentor, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, UNR
Chrissy Klenke, Project Mentor, Earth Sciences, GIS, and Maps Librarian, UNR
Sarah Canham, Project Mentor, Associate Director, Health Interprofessional Education Program, University of Utah
Housing and Health in Washoe County
NOTE: If you would like to access references, they will be linked at the end of the StoryMap.
Nevada’s housing crisis is multi-faceted in character and impact and manifests across communities in different ways. National level data show that Hispanic/Latino persons rely less on public services instead turning to social and family networks for support instead of homeless resources. As a result, Latino and Hispanic families are more likely to live in overcrowded households, are more likely to rent and are more vulnerable to market forces that contribute to high housing cost burden and displacement. Moreover, how and where Latinx families engage with services is complicated by immigration status, language, and ethnic discrimination (1 & 2). Housing instability reverberates through all aspects of economic, social, and physical life for Nevadans. As a social determinant of health, housing instability in the Hispanic/Latino community impacts mental health and well-being at an individual and familial level (3). Declined mental health disrupts networks of care and support that create resilience through crisis.
Despite what we know at a national scale about ethnic and racial disparities in housing instability, there is little systematic data to understand the cultural, ethnic, and legal texture of housing instability in Nevada and its health-related consequences for Latino families. What we do know is that Washoe County now comprises nearly 25% Hispanic/Latino population, concentrated largely in a few zip codes. These are zip codes that experienced the highest rates of COVID-1, score highest on the community needs index (4), and by way of community stories are targets for gentrification (5). Furthermore, undocumented Nevadans are excluded from all federal and many state and local aid/services, with federal sources being the primary source of housing support for precarious populations.
We are in the process of mapping a series of variables by census tract in the Reno-Sparks area to visualize factors that contribute to housing instability. Keep checking back for updates!
Our Research Plan
Our project utilizes a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach in the form of geospatial analysis of neighborhood change, interviews with key housing and health agencies, a survey, community mapping, and a photovoice activity with families. Preliminary recruitment and relationship builiding includes a series of house visits with families.
Throughout 2021 and before formal data collection, Victoria led the team in a series of community relationship building and engagement activities to learn more about community needs. Victoria led listening sessions at local congregations, and the team tabled at Fiesta on Wells, the Mexican Consulate visits, and Vaccine Drives.
1. Tabling at Fiesta on Wells 2. Mapping out our River of Life 3. Our monthly CARB meeting 4. Our first Focus Group
Focus Group
01/07/2023: Community Mapping Activity
Community Services:
* = Non-Citizen Eligibility
Ⓢ = Spanish Available
Housing
ⓢ Reno Housing Authority : (775) 329-3630 // Public housing, rental assistance, Resident services, Workforce development, Senior Services and Youth activities // 1525 E 9th St, Reno, NV 89512.
*ⓢ The Reno Initiative for Shelter and Quality–Our Place/RISE: (775) 322-7073 // Our Place: Emergency shelter, living room, housing voucher program // 605 S 21st St, Sparks, NV 89431.
ⓢ Community Housing Land Trust: (775) 333-5499 // Provides affordable and workforce housing in Northern Nevada communities // 2757 Beck St, Reno, NV 89509.
Washoe Affordable Housing Corporation: (775) 334-3199 // Affordable Housing Search, Homeless Prevention Programs, Tenant Resources // 1004 Forest St, Reno, NV 89509.
Nevada Housing Division: (775) 687-2240 // Homebuyer Programs, Multi-Family Programs, Weatherization Assistance Program // 1830 E College Parkway, Suite 200, Carson City, NV 89706.
*Volunteers of America–Nevada Cares: (775) 329-4141 // Emergency Shelter, Rental Assistance, ReStart: Clinical Services, Drop-ins for shower and laundry // 1775 E 4th St, Reno, NV 89502.
*ⓢ Silver State Fair Housing Council: (775) 324-0990 or (775) 324-0438 // Equal Housing: Reasonable Housing and Housing Discrimination filing assistance. Education and Training // 110 W Arroyo St A, Reno, NV 89509.
ⓢ Access for Community and Cultural Education Programs & Trainings (ACCEPT): (775)-786-5886 // Medical Transportation Services, Housing & NV Energy Bill Assistance // 100 Washington St #250, Reno, NV 89503.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: (702) 366-2100 // Housing, Rental Assistance, Local Public Housing, Rent Relief // 745 W Moana Ln, Reno, NV 89509.
ⓢ Washoe County Health District–Housing and Homeless Services: (775) 328-2720 // Community Housing Resources // 1775 E 4th St, Reno, NV 89512.
*The Eddy House: (775) 384-1129 // Distribution of essential items, Drop-in Center/Emergency Housing, Community Living Program, Transitional living // 888 Willow St, Reno, NV 89502.
Ⓢ The Nevada Rural Housing Authority: (775) 887-1795 // Homeowner Programs, Rental Assistance, Weatherization // 3695 Desatoya Dr #105, Carson City, NV 89701.
The Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living: (775) 353-3599 // Cross-disability non-profit: Peer support, information and referrals, system advocacy, independent living training skills, transition // 999 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89431.
Health
Ⓢ Access to Healthcare: (844) 469-4933 // Access to Healthcare Network provides FREE non-emergent medical transportation for Senior Citizens, Disabled, and Low-Income Residents in Reno and Greater Washoe County Area // 4001 S Virginia St suite f, Reno, NV 89502.
*ⓢ Northern Nevada Hopes: (775) 786-4673 // Medical and Wellness Services: Federally Qualified Health Center–serving underserved communities // 580 W 5th St, Reno, NV 89503.
*ⓢ Alma Clinic: (775) 683-3833 // Primary Care and Urgent Care // 1321 N McCarran Blvd #104, Sparks, NV 89431.
*ⓢ Nevada Health Centers: (800) 787-2568 // Primary and preventive healthcare resources // 790 Willow St, Reno, NV 89502.
*ⓢ Planned Parenthood Mar Monte: (877) 855-7526 // Reproductive Care // 455 W 5th St, Reno, NV 89503.
*Safe Embrace: (775) 324-3766 // Clinical Mental Health Services // 220 S Rock Blvd Suite 7, Reno, NV 89502.
*ⓢ Community Health Alliance: (775) 329-6300 // Health Screenings, Nutrition Education, Prescription Food Pantry, Insurance Enrollment Assistance // 1055 S Wells Ave, Reno, NV 89502.
*ⓢ Nevada Urban Indians Inc: (775) 788-7600 // Medical Clinic, Mental Health Services, Victim Services, Diabetes Program. Substance Abuse Program // 9480 Gateway Dr, Reno, NV 89521.
The Downing Counseling Clinic: (775) 682-5515 // Provides low-cost mental health services. Master student interns provide individual, couples, and family counseling under supervision // 1664 N. Virginia St Nell J Redfield Building Mailstop 196, Reno, NV 89557.
University of Nevada, Reno Student Outreach Clinic: (775) 391-0632 // Offers free medical attention on a variety of health topics to uninsured or underinsured individuals. Medical students are under the supervision of a licensed physician // 123 17th Street, E Stadium Way, Reno, NV 89557.
*ⓢ The Children's Cabinet: (775) 856-6200 // Child Care, Financial Assistance, CC Food Market, Counseling Services // 777 Sinclair St, Reno, NV 89501.
Food Access
*ⓢ Food Bank of Northern Nevada: (775) 331-3663 // Food Distribution, Nutrition Education, SNAP Outreach, Kids Café // 550 Italy Dr, Sparks, NV 89437.
*The Bridge Church: (775) 323-7141 // Food Pantry, Community Garden // 1330 Foster Dr, Reno, NV 89509.
Legal Resources
*ⓢ Washoe Legal Services: (775) 329-2727 // Housing and Consumer Protection, Immigration, Domestic Violence, Self-Help, and Child Advocacy // 299 S Arlington Ave, Reno, NV 89501.
*ⓢ Nevada Legal Services: (775) 284-3491 // Consumer Rights, Unemployment, Workers Rights, Homeownership, Farmworkers Project // 449 S Virginia St 3rd Floor, Reno, NV 89501.
*ⓢ PLAN: (775) 800-1851 // Adjustment Status, Assistance at USCIS Interviews, Cancelation of removal, DACA, EOIR Deportation/ removal defense, Family Petitions, LPR Card Renewal, TPS, Work Authorization // 495 Apple St Suite 108, Reno, NV 89502.
*ⓢ Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevadans : (775) 883-8278 // Pro bono legal services for low income rural Nevadans // 412 W John St, Carson City, NV 89703.
Mixed Resources: Food Access, Legal, Housing
*ⓢ Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada: (775) 322-7073 // Food Pantry, Resource Hub, Dining Room, Immigration Legal Services, Thriving families support center // 500 E 4th St, Reno, NV 89512.
*ⓢ Tu Casa Latina: (775) 432-9929 // U Visa Application, T Visa Application, Immigration forms, Translation of documents, Referrals to other agencies // 1280 Terminal Way Suite 8, Reno, NV 89509.
Step Two: (775) 787-9411 // Transitional Housing, Case Management, Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse Treatment, Transportation Assistance // 3700 Safe Harbour Pl, Reno, NV 89512.
ⓢ Division of Welfare and Support Services: (775) 684-0730 // Child Care, Energy and Water Assistance, Medical, SNAP, Temporary Assistance // 4055 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502.
Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA): (775) 328-2003 // Housing Shelter, Infants and Children, Domestic Violence, Food Assistance, Youth Services, Utility Services // 1001 E 9th St, Reno, NV 89512.
*Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission: (775) 329-0485 // Food Assistance, Clothing Vouchers // 2115 Timber Way, Reno, NV 89512.
*The Salvation Army: (775) 688-4555 // Food Services, Clothing, One-time furniture voucher, Diapers/Formula Emergency Service, Health Services, Emergency Utility Services // 2300 Valley Rd, Reno, NV 89512.
Incline Village Resources
*Sierra Community House: (530) 546-0952 // Hunger Relief, Crisis Intervention, Family Support, Medical and Legal Assistance // 265 Bear St, Kings Beach, CA 96143.
*The Village Church: (775) 831-0784 // Food Pantry // 736 McCourry Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451.
Food Bank of Northern Nevada: (775) 331-3663 // Food Distribution Calendar // 341 Village Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451
Western Sierra Medical–Kings Beach: (530) 274-9762 // Federally Funded Medical Services // 8665 Salmon Ave, Kings Beach, CA 96143.
*ⓢ Tahoe Family Solutions: (775) 413-5145 // ESL Classes, Income Tax Assistance, Mental Health Services, Family Resource Center // 774 Mays Blvd #13, Incline Village, NV 89451.
Community Service Agency: (775) 786-6023 // Affordable Housing Services, Weatherization, Victim Advocacy, Employment Assistance Program, Income Tax Preparation // 761 Northwood Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451.
Latino Research Center (LRC) Resources
Media
NEVADA Today Research Article
Acknowledgements
This project is funded by a 2020 Robert Wood Johnson Interdisciplinary Research Leaders Program Fellowship and supported by UNR's Latino Research Center. The views expressed here are those of the research team and do not necessarily represent the views of the Foundation. This study has been approved by the University of Nevada, Reno Institutional Review Board Title: [1730646-4] A Study of the Influence of Housing Instability on Mental Health and Well-Being for Latinx Families in Washoe County, NV.
Spanish Version of StoryMap
Estudio sobre Salud y Vivienda de Familias Latinas