Our Work

At the Healthcare Housing Lab, we are dedicated to advancing research and practical solutions that address the intersection of housing and healthcare. Our initiatives aim to enhance patient and caregiver experiences by improving access to essential lodging during medical treatments.

Healthcare Housing Navigator

We have developed a comprehensive, user-friendly platform that consolidates healthcare housing options across the United States into a single, searchable map. This resource simplifies the search for lodging during medical treatments, providing valuable support to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Access the Healthcare Housing Navigator here. 

Research Publications and Presentations

Our team has contributed to the field through several research papers that explore and begin to define healthcare housing and explore its' impact on health outcomes. Below is a selection of our key publications. Please reach out if you’d like to request a copy.
        
  • Owens J., Lyons M., Ezra David J. (2025) Comparing Social Need Support in Medical Housing: Differences by Sponsorship Type and Medicaid Expansion Status. Social Interventions Research and Evaluation Network. (SIREN). San Diego, CA. February 2025 (accepted).
  • Owens J., Lilly F., & Campbell P. (2024). From Pediatrics to Geriatrics: Unveiling the Age Demographic Landscape of Medical Housing Eligibility. American Public Health Association National Conference, Minneapolis, MN, October 2024.
  • Lyons M., Owens J., & Young S. (2024). Differentiating Drivers of Housing Instability – A Critical Perspective. Association for Research on Nonprofit and Voluntary Action Conference, Washington, DC, November 2024.
  • Campbell P., & Owens J. (2024). Supporting Patients and Their Families: An Exploratory Review of Medical Housing in the United States. Johnson and Johnson National Medical Fellowships Poster Presentation.
  • Owens J., Lilly F., Ward R., Campbell P., & Bush A. (2023). Addressing the Temporary Medical Housing Needs of Patients and Families Living in Rural Healthcare Deserts to Promote Healthcare Access. American Public Health Association National Conference, Atlanta, GA, November 2023.
  • Owens J. (2023). Addressing the Temporary Medical Housing Needs of Patients and Families Living in Rural Healthcare Deserts to Promote Healthcare Access. Research Colloquium at the University of Maryland Graduate School, Baltimore, MD, October 2023.
  • Owens J., & Bush A. (2023). Plenary for Community-Led Research: Opportunities for a Shared National Agenda. Healthcare Hospitality Network National Conference, Baltimore, MD, October 2023.
  • Owens J. (2023). Supporting Access to Care: Medical Housing as a Social Need. Healthcare Hospitality Network National Conference, Baltimore, MD, October 2023.
  • Owens J., Allen A., Lilly F., & Ward R. (2023). From Roe to Dobbs: The Critical Role of Medical Housing for Individuals Seeking Abortion Care. American Public Health Association.
  • Owens J. (2023). Promoting Access to Care: Health-Related Social Needs as a Right and Not a Privilege. Advances in Neonatal Care.
  • Owens J. (2021). The Invisible Journey: Supporting Families Traveling Domestically for Medical Care. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Annual Leadership Institute.
  • Owens J., & Malloy, L. (2019). The Invisible Journey: Supporting Families Traveling Domestically for Medical Care. Stanford MedicineX National Conference.
  • Owens J. (2018). A Home Near a Hospital: Tapping into the Collective Compassion of Volunteers to House Patient-Families Traveling for Care. University of Maryland, Baltimore TEDx.
  • Owens J. (2018). Tapping into the Collective Compassion of Volunteers to House Patient-Families Traveling for Care. Stanford MedicineX National Conference.
Interested in connecting or collaborating? Connect with Dr. Jenny Owens on LinkedIn or via email at jowens@umaryland.edu.