His work has fundamentally changed how we understand the connection between home and future outcomes. Through large-scale data analysis, Raj and his team have shown that where a child grows up — access to stable housing, safe neighborhoods, and opportunity-rich communities — can have a profound impact on lifelong earnings, education, and overall well-being.

These findings are especially urgent today, as affordable housing remains increasingly out of reach for many families. His research underscores a powerful truth: expanding access to stable, affordable homes is one of the most effective ways to break cycles of poverty and create pathways to upward mobility. By partnering with local communities and policymakers, these insights are translated into real-world strategies that help families not only find housing, but access opportunity.