So often when we’re talking to prospective clients, we try to impress upon them the importance of using credible data to support their work. Be it a donor report, a grant application, or – like in this case -- getting the attention of the Pentagon, data speaks. Here is an example of a time our client was explicitly told to put hard numbers around their supporters’ anecdotes and the incredible results.

A little background…In 1996, Congress authorized the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) through the FY1996 National Defense Authorization Act, giving the Department of Defense (DoD) authority to transfer military family housing operations to private developers under long-term business agreements.[1] Under MHPI, DoD could convey existing housing, lease installation land, and allow private companies to finance, construct, renovate, and manage family housing, thus shifting DoD’s role from direct operator to contract overseer.[2]

For more than two decades, military families living in privatized, on-base housing have faced persistent challenges which raise serious concerns about their health, safety, and well-being. According to a 2023 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the DoD failed to reliably assess the condition of its unaccompanied housing inventory and many units did not meet minimum DoD standards for health and safety, privacy, or configuration.[3]

Given the growing need for comprehensive research on military families to better understand the full scope and impact of housing conditions, health risks, and systemic oversight failures, Change the Air Foundation – a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving every person the knowledge, resources, and support to achieve better health by breathing safe indoor air – collected online data from 3,401 respondents.

Untold Research analyzed this rich data and developed a comprehensive report which set off a media and legislative firestorm. From national to local to military-specific outlets, the survey’s findings were featured in over 30 articles, grabbing the attention of not just the Pentagon but federal legislators resulting in real action:

[1] Congressional Research Service. (2023). Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI). CRS Report R47728.

[2] Military Housing Privatization Initiative. (2024). Overview of MHPI authorities and responsibilities.

[3] Government Accountability Office. (2023). Military barracks: Poor living conditions undermine quality of life and readiness (GAO-23-105797). U.S. Government Accountability Office.