Climate Adaptation & Healthy Communities

Subsidized Housing, Sea-Level Rise, and Special Needs Populations

A Housing Policy and Community Development Finance student project examining elderly and disabled residents in subsidized housing at risk from sea-level rise and coastal flooding.

Coastal flood risk map

Overview

This student project assessed the vulnerability of elderly and disabled populations living in subsidized housing in the Boston area and explored mitigation and managed retreat strategies. The analysis connected subsidized housing data, coastal flood exposure, community risk factors, livability indicators, and GIS mapping.

The project is included here as an example of research-integrated teaching and student work that connects housing policy with climate adaptation and special-needs populations.