Bay Area Thriving Families (BATF)
Carolina Reid, Professor
City and Regional Planning
Applications for Spring 2026 are closed for this project.
The Bay Area Thriving Families (BATF) Project is a mixed-methods research study that examines whether providing modest, short-term cash payments to families nearing the end of their Rapid Rehousing (RRH) assistance can support more stable housing outcomes and improved financial well-being. Families exiting RRH often face a post-subsidy “cliff,” where the loss of rental assistance creates significant financial strain and increases the risk of housing instability. This project seeks to understand whether targeted cash assistance during this transition period can help families sustain housing and build longer-term stability.
The study centers the lived experiences of families who have experienced homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through qualitative interviews and ongoing collaboration with community and research partners, the project aims to generate evidence that can inform housing policy, program design, and interventions for families who have experienced homelessness.
Student researchers will play a key role in the qualitative component of the study. The project values diverse perspectives and encourages applications from students with lived or community-connected experience related to housing insecurity or homelessness.
Role: Tasks and Responsibilities:
-Transcribe and review qualitative interview recordings to ensure accuracy and completeness (validation)
-Code interview transcripts using Dedoose qualitative analysis software
-Write analytic memos based on Dedoose code reports and assist in identifying emerging themes across interviews
-Participate in biweekly research team meetings and present updates on progress and findings
-Engage in workshops and collaborative sessions with research and community partners
Learning Outcomes:
-Learn how to conduct ethical research involving human subjects
-Receive training in qualitative research methods, including interview coding, memo writing, and thematic analysis
-Gain substantive knowledge about rapid rehousing programs, cash assistance interventions, and housing policy related to homelessness prevention
-Develop professional research skills, including collaboration, communication, and project management
Qualifications: Required Qualifications:
-Highly detail-oriented, organized, and flexible
-Strong written and verbal communication skills
-Demonstrated interest in research on housing, homelessness, or social policy
-Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with the research supervisor and broader research team
Preferred Qualifications:
-Bilingual in English and Spanish
-Experience working with or conducting research alongside historically marginalized communities
-Prior experience with qualitative research methods
-Interest in continuing the position through Summer and/or Fall URAP
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Tessa Nápoles, Postdoc, Terner Center
Hours: 12 or more hours
Off-Campus Research Site: This is a hybrid position. The student will participate in meetings both on zoom and at the offices of the Terner Center for Housing Innovation: 1330 Broadway, Suite 430 Oakland, CA 94612
Related website: https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/blog/navigating-the-post-subsidy-cliff-considerations-for-families-approaching-the-end-of-rapid-rehousing/
Social Sciences