foundations to freedom: a research project
summary
the Collective seeks to explore the profound impact of sustained financial assistance on the stability, well-being, and long-term success of Black women. through Foundations to Freedom, we will examine how 6 to 12 months of rent assistance can alleviate economic strain, creating a foundation for lasting transformation. Black women disproportionately face economic and social challenges that heighten chronic stress, making it difficult to secure stable housing, access quality mental health care, and focus on their future goals.
our research will investigate how financial security can serve as a form of nervous system regulation—shifting participants from a state of survival to a place of stability where healing, planning, and personal growth can flourish. by easing financial burdens, we aim to assess how Black women can experience reduced stress, improved emotional well-being, and greater engagement in resources that support their long-term success. our findings will not only highlight the immediate benefits of economic support but also its generational impact on families and communities.
the problem
Black women, particularly those who are single mothers, survivors of abuse, or are navigating systemic inequities, experience significant economic and social stressors. the intersectional pressures of race, gender, and socioeconomic status create a heightened risk of economic instability, compounded by limited access to adequate support systems. due to these factors, Black women are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity, restricted access to mental health resources, and diminished opportunities for long-term planning. chronic financial stress is shown to have lasting impacts on both mental and physical health, including heightened risk of anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and even a dysregulated nervous system.
without access to sustainable support systems, Black women are forced into survival mode, inhibiting their ability to envision and pursue long-term goals and diminishing their overall quality of life. our research seeks to illuminate how economic support—specifically in the form of rent assistance—could reduce these risk factors and offer a pathway toward sustainable well-being.
proposed solution
to address the identified problem, our research proposes the provision of rent assistance to Black women and femmes for a period of 6-12 months. this support is designed to alleviate immediate financial burdens, providing a stable foundation from which participants can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life. by offering this extended financial support, the coven seeks to provide participants with the stability required to plan ahead, manage stress, and take meaningful steps toward self-sufficiency. the research component will track various indicators related to stress, financial stability, educational and career advancement, mental health, and overall well-being, offering empirical data on the impact of sustained financial aid on Black women’s lives.
hypothesis
we hypothesize that providing Black women with rent assistance for 6-12 months will lead to significant improvements in various aspects of their lives. we anticipate the following positive changes among participants:
reduced stress levels and improved mental health: with financial stability, participants will experience a reduction in stress and anxiety related to economic hardship. this, in turn, is expected to result in fewer symptoms of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and an increase in emotional well-being.
improved nervous system regulation: lower levels of financial stress may enable participants to transition from a survival-based response to a more regulated state, reducing chronic stress and its physical manifestations, thus supporting a healthier nervous system.
increased capacity for long-term planning and future-oriented thinking: free from the immediate pressures of housing insecurity, participants will have the mental bandwidth to think futuristically, set meaningful goals, and take deliberate steps toward self-improvement, such as continuing their education or advancing in their careers.
improved financial health and savings capacity: with reduced rent expenses, participants will likely have the opportunity to save money and potentially invest in areas that can further stabilize their lives, such as education, health care, or entrepreneurship.
increased engagement in therapeutic and supportive services: participants will be more likely to engage in therapy, support groups, or wellness services, as they are less preoccupied with immediate financial survival, leading to long-term personal growth and healing.
what’s steps is the collective taking next?
phase one: laying the foundation
the first phase of Foundations to Freedom is all about listening, learning, and gathering the necessary data to shape sustainable, community-driven solutions. for us, this includes:
1:1 Interviews— conducting in-depth conversations with Black women who have experienced financial hardship to better understand their needs, challenges, and what true economic stability would look like for them.
an updated needs-based survey (2025) – building on previous research from the Collective, we are developing a new comprehensive survey to assess the current financial and mental well-being of Black women in our community. this survey will help us identify key barriers to stability and access to resources.
focus groups – we will bring Black women together in safe, supportive spaces (virtually and IRL) to discuss the systemic and structural challenges they face. these sessions will highlight shared experiences, build collective knowledge, and inform how Foundations to Freedom can best address financial insecurity and healing.
by centering the voices of Black women, phase one ensures that this research is not just about numbers—it’s about real lives, real needs, and real solutions that honor the complexity of Black womanhood.
call to action
if you or someone you know could benefit from our community care network, the Coven, sign up for our interest form here. healing is a collective effort, and together, we are redefining what support looks like. have questions, email us: hi@theblackhealingcollective.org