Rising housing costs and housing instability contribute to teacher recruitment and retention challenges, student absenteeism, enrollment volatility, and frequent transfers. These pressures strain educators as the social and emotional effects of housing insecurity show up in classrooms. While some school districts have turned to “teacher villages,” these efforts address only part of a broader challenge.

This brief highlights how school districts can be both key drivers and beneficiaries of housing solutions. By leveraging their awareness of housing needs, civic influence, partnerships, and real estate assets, districts can help expand access to stable, affordable housing for the wider educational ecosystem, improving teacher retention, student outcomes, and overall community well-being.

The Learning Center’s resources and all data and information provided therein (collectively, “Content”) are for general informational purposes only. All Content is provided “as is” and may no longer be current or up to date. Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliated entities (collectively referred to as “Enterprise”) as well as any co-authors of any Content disclaim all liability for any errors or omissions and make no warranties or representations of any kind, either express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any Content presented. All Content should be independently verified by you before relying on it. The Content does not constitute professional advice or services (including but not limited to legal, financial, tax, or investment advice).

Originally Published
May 13, 2026
Authors
Enterprise Community Partners
Impact Areas
Resource Type
  • Brief