Urban Housing
Over 70 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native people live in urban areas. The available research and information about urban American Indian and Alaska Native housing experiences are limited.1,2 Housing is an important determinant of health 3–5 and a fundamental human right. 6,7 Housing issues such as safety, quality, affordability, stability, and location impact health and well-being. Urban American Indian and Alaska Native people experience distinct and complex housing challenges, including high rates of homelessness. Urban Indian Health Institute is working with partners to improve research and information about urban AI/AN housing. The findings from our work will inform programming, practice, funding, and policy.
Indigenous Urban Housing Research Report
The short report presents an initial snapshot of results from a national study on the housing experiences of Indigenous people residing in urban areas. The study aims to describe these experiences and provide research-based recommendations to improve housing programs, services, and funding for urban Indigenous people. The Indigenous Urban Housing research study is a partnership between Dr. Sofia Locklear (University of Toronto), Dr. Elizabeth Korver-Glenn (UNC-Chapel Hill), and the Urban Indian Health Institute
Indigenous Urban Housing Research Report
Preferred Citations:
Locklear, Sofia, Elizabeth Korver-Glenn, Tomiris Frants, Abigail Feather, and Urban Indian Health Institute. 2025. “Indigenous Urban Housing: Research Report.” Urban Indian Health Institute.
References
- Pindus NM, Kingsley GT, Biess J, Levy DK, Simington J, Hayes CR. Housing Needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives in Tribal Areas. Urban Institute; 2017. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.urban.org/research/publication/housing-needs-american-indians-and-alaska-natives-tribal-areas
- Levy D k, Biess J, Baum A, Pindus N, Murray B. Housing Needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives in Urban Areas. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Published online January 2017:132.
- Health Affairs. Housing And Health: An Overview Of The Literature | Health Affairs Brief. Housing And Health: An Overview Of The Literature. June 7, 2018. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hpb20180313.396577/full/
- Health TLP. Housing: a determinant of health and equity. Lancet Public Health. 2025;10(10):e804. doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00229-4
- Bentley R, Mason K, Jacobs D, et al. Housing as a social determinant of health: a contemporary framework. Lancet Public Health. 2025;10(10):e855-e864. doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00142-2
- United Nations. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. United Nations Human Rights. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-covenant-economic-social-and-cultural-rights
- United Nations. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. United Nations. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights