As we reflect on the past year, Innovative Research Insights (IRI) has been at the forefront of diverse, impactful projects that are shaping the future of communities and organizations nationwide. With a commitment to advancing equity, improving community outcomes, and driving systemic change, IRI has undertaken diverse and impactful projects across housing, homelessness, digital inclusion, and STEM education. Here’s a look at the groundbreaking initiatives we’ve championed this year:

Building Inclusive Communities at Peacehaven Community Farm

IRI supported Peacehaven Community Farm in Whitsett, NC, to develop sustainable funding models for inclusive housing communities. The project focused on enhancing living conditions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), aligning with Peacehaven’s mission to foster inclusion through shared farming experiences. Through interview and surveys we gathered data on the housing needs of individuals with an IDD. We also analyzed Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations data and state and federal policy regarding various sources of funding for supportive housing.

Advancing STEM Education Through Robotics in Guilford County Schools

Our evaluation of the NCDPI Robotics Grant assessed the impact of reintroduced afterschool robotics programs on student STEM skills and social-emotional learning. Collaborating with NC A&T and FIRST LEGO League, this project inspires the next generation of STEM professionals, while fostering belonging and academic growth post-pandemic. Our evaluation highlighted areas for growth in the program while lifting up successes in reconnecting with youth.

Empowering Human Services with The Prosperity Agenda

IRI has worked with The Prosperity Agenda to design and evaluate participatory research that strengthens family-centered coaching practices. The Prosperity Agenda aims to transform how communities engage and serve families by adopting a family-focused mindset. It recognizes the complexities of family structures and the need for flexibility in supporting families as they change over time. The initiative emphasizes learning, collaboration, and developing pragmatic solutions to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. This partnership highlights our focus on using data to disrupt inequities and promote systemic change.

Piedmont Triad Digital Inclusion Plan

Collaborating with UNCG’s Center for Housing and Community Studies, IRI played a key role in developing a digital inclusion plan for a 12-county region. This project aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring equitable broadband access and digital literacy training, crucial for economic and civic participation. Our comprehensive report will guide funding, and implementation plans for digital literacy, device access, and broadband deployment throughout the region.

Capacity Building for Minority Developers

As part of the National Institute of Minority Economic Development Pipeline to Home Ownership initiative, IRI began formative and summative evaluations of a program empowering minority developers to expand affordable housing in this community. By combining capacity building, mentorship, and financial training, this initiative is driving systemic change and economic empowerment with a goal of creating more quality and affordable housing in Guilford County. IRI will continue to track the outcomes and impact of the project into 2026.

NeighborWorks America Collaboration

IRI’s proposal for the Success Measures program was selected by NeighborWorks America, focusing on providing evaluation services and strategic facilitation for their nationwide housing and community development initiatives. This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing affordable housing solutions across the United States. We look forward to working with NeighborWorks partners in the new year.

HELD GSO Housing Support Pilot Evaluation Plan

IRI partnered with HELD GSO to evaluate their Housing Support Plan, a program offering guaranteed income and rental support to combat homelessness. By incorporating tools like the Arizona and LifeWorks Self-Sufficiency Matrices, we are measuring housing stability and economic mobility for 45 participants, laying the groundwork for evidence-based program improvements.

Supporting Social Innovation with Change Often

As part of its partnership with Change Often, IRI provided strategic evaluation and data synthesis to inform organizational decisions for several national youth-serving social service organizations. The collaboration underscored the importance of evidence-based strategies in achieving social innovation goals.

Addressing Food Security in Guilford County

IRI is collaborating with Guilford County Government and the NC Cooperative Extension to develop a comprehensive Food Action Plan, emphasizing data integration, community engagement, and actionable strategies to address food insecurity. Working with the Food Security Coordinator, IRI is reviewing secondary data and stakeholder input as well as collecting resident surveys and other data. This initiative is aimed at bridging gaps in food access and equity across the county.

Franklin County Affordable Housing Assessment

We have just kicked off a comprehensive study to identify gaps in housing affordability in one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing counties. Through stakeholder engagement and spatial analysis, IRI, in partnership with UNCG, will develop strategies to ensure equitable growth and sustainable housing development for vulnerable populations.

Looking Ahead

Each project reflects our dedication to leveraging research and evaluation to drive meaningful change. At Innovative Research Insights LLC, we remain committed to tackling complex social issues with creative, data-driven solutions, and we look forward to another year of empowering communities and organizations.