Beyond shelter: Exploring the potential impacts of rental assistance on self-reliance and well-being for Venezuelan migrants in Colombia

TL;DR

This study examines how rental assistance affects the self-reliance and well-being of Venezuelan migrant women in Colombia.

Contribution

It provides preliminary evidence on rental assistance effectiveness for female-headed migrant households in LMICs.

Findings

Rental assistance improved overall self-reliance, well-being, and agency among participants.

Subjective well-being and housing conditions were positively linked to self-reliance.

Financial stress reduction and forward-looking behaviors were key benefits of rental support.

Abstract

Urban refugees in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often face housing insecurity, undermining their ability to achieve self-reliance and well-being. Few studies have evaluated the impact of housing interventions in these contexts. This study offers preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of a 9-month rental assistance program targeting female-headed Venezuelan migrant households in Colombia. Using pre-post data from 517 participants, we assessed changes over time in household-level self-reliance, domains of self-reliance, subjective well-being and perceived agency. We also employed ordinary least squares regression and fixed-effects models to estimate changes in self-reliance and the relationship between self-reliance, psychosocial and housing outcomes. Our analysis found significant improvements in overall self-reliance, well-being and agency after controlling for observed individual and household characteristics. Increases were observed across almost all domains of self-reliance. Fixed-effects models also found that subjective well-being, perceived agency and select housing conditions were positively associated with self-reliance. Rental support appears to promote both material and psychosocial recovery for displaced households by alleviating financial stress and enabling forward-looking behaviors. However, the impact of housing quality dimensions varies, and the sustainability of outcomes remains uncertain. Future evaluations should incorporate longitudinal designs and control groups to inform holistic refugee housing strategies.

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