About Us

About Us

The Healthy Neighborhoods Study (HNS), based in Boston, is the largest resident-driven, participatory action research project in the US about neighborhood change processes, like gentrification and climate change, and their impact on health. 

We believe in the expertise of the residents most harshly impacted by gentrification and climate change and of the advocates who work to address these impacts. They are exactly the leaders we need to understand these injustices and develop solutions to correct them. 
We use research to fuel organizing and action for equitable development without displacement in Greater Boston. Through Participatory Action Research (PAR), residents, advocates, and planners work with academic researchers to turn their lived experiences, insights, and expertise into the data, facts, and information.

HNS Communities


The 9 Massachusetts communities taking part in the Healthy Neighborhoods Study are the cities of:

  • Brockton
  • Chelsea
  • Everett
  • Lynn
  • Fall River
  • New Bedford

And the Boston neighborhoods of:

  • Dorchester
  • Mattapan
  • Roxbury
State of Massachusetts displaying the 9 communities

HNS Consortium


Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Healthy Neighborhoods Study is a project of the Healthy Neighborhoods Research Consortium (HNRC). 

The HNRC is a partnership of community residents and organizations, academics, and government and non-profit advocates committed to advancing equitable development in Eastern Massachusetts and community leadership of this work. Together we use our knowledge, experience, and expertise to research the connections between processes that change neighborhoods (such as gentrification and climate change) and the health and well-being of the people who live there.

Alternatives for Community & Environment
Convervation Law Foundation
Metropolitan Aera Planning Council
Everett Community Growers
Greater Fall River Partners for a Healthier Community
Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corp.
Lynn United for Change Empowerment Project
Massaoit Community College
GreenRoots
Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition
Commonwealth of Massachuetts Department of Public Health
DUSP MIT
YMCA Southcoast

Our Team


Mariana C. Arcaya ScD, MPC

Mariana C. Arcaya ScD, MPC

Co-Principal Investigator

Andrew Binet

Andrew Binet PhD, MCP

Collaborative Data Analysis

Vedette Gavin

Vedette R. Gavin MPH, MPA

Co-Principal Investigator

Patrice Williams

Patrice Williams, PhD, MPH

PAN Network

Shinelle Kirk

Shinelle Kirk

Research Associate

Andrew Seeder

Andrew Seeder MA

Research Scientist

Rebecca Houston-Read

Rebecca Houston- Read

Research Assistant

Kelsey Salmon Schreck

Kelsey Salmon Schreck

Research Assistant

Anisha Patil Nakagawa

Anisha Patil Nakagawa

Project Manager

Reann Gibson

Reann Gibson MPH

Project Manager, Emeritus

What have we done?


Since launching in 2015, HNS partners have made great strides in understanding the connections between gentrification, climate change, and health, and we’ve taken important action to advance equitable development.