More than a third of U.S. students live in some form of affordable housing environment — and many of these students face more academic barriers than their peers, according to a Public and Affordable Housing Research Corp. study. But stable housing often centralizes support services, giving students a better chance at success.

The report shows low-income students in public housing have fewer absences than their peers, and it also cites evidence showing stable, affordable housing can help children improve school performance. Educators often work with housing providers to help students be successful.

Students living in affordable housing benefit from access to the internet, books, health care and programs designed for those with special needs. Students can also receive tutoring, which not only helps academically, but also adds another adult role model into their lives.

The new Stable Homes Stable Schools initiative, for example, helps students and families in Minneapolis Public Schools pay rent for consistent housing while offering wraparound services. The program is designed to enroll more than 600 students and is funded with $3 million from Mayor Jacob Frey’s proposed budget, $1.4 million from the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and $500,000 from the Pohland Family Foundation for the Housing Stability Fund.

Read the full article about stable housing environments by Shawna De La Rosa at Education Dive.