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Wilder Research Topics

Topics That Matter

Wilder Research conducts studies in areas that affect the quality of life for people and communities. By examining issues, trends and the effectiveness of programs and services, we provide credible information that can be used to inform strategies and action to improve lives.

Areas of Research

Criminal Justice and Violence Prevention
Our work looks at the effectiveness of violence prevention and intervention strategies.
Early Childhood and Youth
Our work provides a picture of how children, youth and families in Minnesota are faring, with a special focus on low-income families.
Education and Out of School Time
We study opportunity and achievement gaps for low-income students, students of color, students whose primary language is not English, and first-generation college students.
Public Health and Health Care
We study prevention, treatment and causes of poor health, including community assessments of healthy behaviors, needs and services, and evaluations of programs and initiatives addressing health concerns.
Housing and Homelessness
Our triennial statewide study provides the most current and comprehensive information and data on homelessness in Minnesota.
Mental Health
Our work identifies factors that affect mental health, especially in low-income and immigrant populations, and evaluating programs and services to assist children and adults with mental health issues.
Older Adults and Aging
We study support systems and their capacity to meet the needs of Minnesota’s growing population of older adults, funding sources and priorities, and what older adults, caregivers, service providers, and aging experts say about current and future needs.
Substance Use
We work across the substance use continuum, from prevention to treatment to recovery, we explore what works for programs and services.

Featured Research

Recent reports

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Characteristics and Trends among Minnesota’s Homeless Population

Initial findings from nearly 4,300 face-to-face interviews with people experiencing homelessness. Read the report »
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Children's Intensive Mental Health Services Study

This is an analysis of Minnesota’s current continuum of intensive mental health services and exploration of the service models and funding mechanisms needed to address gaps in the state’s system of care. Read the report »

Our latest research on public health

American Indian Elders Housing and Homelessness Summit

Summary of a discussion during which American Indian elders shared the challenges of health and housing for American Indians and discussed the Hiawatha Avenue encampment.

Advancing Health Equity: How Projects Funded by the Health Equity in Prevention (HEiP) Initiative Improved Health in Communities Over a Five-Year Period, Summary

Learn about the ways that 13 Minnesota organizations advanced health equity and improved health outcomes through policy, systems, and environmental changes funded through the Health Equity in Prevention initiative.
More on this topic »