Housing Subsidy Struggles: Refugee Relief and Social Tensions in Jordan

A study by Princeton, UC Berkeley, and the International Rescue Committee on a housing subsidy program for Syrian refugees in Jordan revealed improved housing quality but unintended negative effects on food security, child well-being, and social cohesion with host communities. The findings highlight the need for holistic, equitable, and context-sensitive aid approaches to avoid exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.

A groundbreaking study led by researchers from Princeton University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the International Rescue Committee explored the effects of a housing subsidy program (HSP) aimed at supporting Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan. Designed to alleviate financial stress and improve living standards, the program provided rental subsidies and housing upgrades for periods ranging from nine to eighteen months. The researchers assessed the program’s outcomes across various dimensions, including housing quality, economic stability, mental health, and social attitudes. The findings revealed a complex interplay of benefits and challenges, highlighting both the potential and pitfalls of targeted aid programs in fragile settings.

Housing Gains at a High Cost

The program succeeded in improving housing quality for refugee households. Beneficiaries reported better access to clean water, enhanced sanitation facilities, and safer housing structures, significantly improving their living conditions. The rental subsidies temporarily reduced financial pressures, allowing families to avoid loans and informal borrowing. However, these gains came at the expense of other essentials. Food security sharply declined in treated households, with families consuming fewer and less diverse meals. This decline was partly due to the program’s unintended consequences. Providing housing assistance attracted additional family members to move in with beneficiaries, which diluted the benefits on a per capita basis. Additionally, a reduction in food aid further worsened nutrition levels, forcing households to make difficult trade-offs between shelter and sustenance. Even self-reported health indicators saw a decline, illustrating the narrow focus of the intervention at the cost of broader well-being.

Hidden Costs for Vulnerable Children

One of the study's most striking findings was the long-lasting negative impact on children in treated households. The socio-emotional well-being of children declined significantly, as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Despite the program’s intentions to improve overall household stability, children experienced higher levels of stress and emotional difficulties. Factors such as overcrowding in homes, increased household tension, and exposure to financial hardships likely contributed to this decline. Worryingly, these effects persisted even after the program ended, suggesting that the intervention inadvertently created stressors that outweighed its benefits for the most vulnerable members of the community. The findings emphasize the importance of incorporating child welfare considerations into aid programs, as overlooking these factors can have profound long-term consequences.

A Fractured Social Fabric

While the program aimed to support refugees, it inadvertently strained relations with host communities. Neighbors of refugee households often economically struggling Jordanians experienced growing resentment and negative perceptions. Visible construction projects and aid deliveries for refugees heightened feelings of inequity among hosts, who felt overlooked by aid organizations. This led to reduced support for refugee policies and increased social tensions, undermining efforts to foster integration and coexistence. The program’s design, which provided visible benefits to one group while excluding others, amplified existing socio-economic divides. This backlash demonstrates the delicate balance required when designing interventions that simultaneously target displaced populations and their host communities.

Lessons Learned from Unexpected Outcomes

The study revealed a stark gap between expert predictions and actual outcomes. Before the program began, a panel of experts forecasted moderate improvements in refugee households and negligible impacts on host communities. However, the real-world results were far more complex. While refugees saw temporary housing improvements, the benefits faded quickly after the subsidies ended. In contrast, negative social attitudes and economic grievances among host communities emerged as significant challenges. These discrepancies highlight the difficulties of predicting the effects of aid programs in complex socio-economic environments. The findings underscore the need for evidence-based and adaptive program designs that anticipate and mitigate unintended consequences.

Toward a Holistic Approach to Aid

Despite its limitations, the housing subsidy program sheds light on critical aspects of aid delivery in protracted refugee crises. Short-term assistance, while valuable, often fails to address the structural vulnerabilities that perpetuate hardship. The study illustrates the importance of designing holistic interventions that balance immediate needs with long-term well-being. Aid programs must account for not only economic relief but also the social and psychological dimensions of displacement. By fostering integration and ensuring that assistance is perceived as equitable, such initiatives can reduce tensions and promote community resilience. The research carried out by Princeton University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the International Rescue Committee provides vital insights for policymakers and humanitarian organizations. It highlights the need for nuanced, context-sensitive approaches to aid that prioritize sustainability and equity.

As refugee crises continue to unfold globally, the lessons from this study serve as a crucial reminder of the complexities involved in humanitarian interventions. Programs must be designed with an understanding of local dynamics, ensuring that they do not inadvertently create winners and losers. By integrating economic support with strategies to build social cohesion, future aid efforts can not only address immediate challenges but also lay the groundwork for lasting recovery and stability. In the face of growing displacement worldwide, such evidence-based approaches will be essential for creating meaningful and sustainable solutions.