Examining the Effects of Scattered Site Supportive Housing on the Social and Economic Integration of Men Who Are Formerly Homeless and Primarily Black/African American

Abstract

Housing dispersal strategies (scattered sites) have its roots in efforts to construct public housing in more ethnically diverse and affluent communities as a result of the overrepresentation of Blacks/African Americans living in public housing developments with concentrated poverty and racial segregation. Today, the use of scattered site housing is more indicative of nonprofit housing providers seeking to end homelessness. Comparable with the demographics of public housing residents, Blacks/African Americans are severely overrepresented in homeless populations across America. This study examined the impact of scattered site supportive housing, located in an affluent and predominately White/European American community to determine any reductions in social isolation and any levels of improved socio-economic status of men who were formerly homeless and primarily Black/African American. This study used five variables identified from earlier studies thought to influence socio-economic well-being: resident satisfaction, a sense of community, impact on income, neighbor opposition or not-in-my-own backyard (NIMBY) attitudes, and impact of scattered site housing on property values. The results showed that the respondents were, on average, more satisfied with the buildings where they lived than their landlord relations or external neighbors. Furthermore, the study found very little neighbor opposition based on race or class and no negative impact on property values from nearby scattered site developments. Based on these findings, recommendations to continue implementing housing dispersal strategies are offered. In addition, directions for future research are provided.

Race matters in addressing homelessness: A scoping review and call for critical research

“…Four studies found positive effects of PSH (permanent housing subsidies accompanied by social services). Black residents of scattered site supportive housing were satisfied with the buildings they lived in (Palmer, 2016), 6 months of residency in a project‐based Housing First program flattened disparities in hospitalization between Black residents and other racial groups (Savino et al, 2021), and participants' experiences of assault (Petering et al, 2021) and racial discrimination decreased after 6 months in PSH (Wenzel et al, 2019).…”

The Precarious Project and the Wasted Opportunity: The Social and Cultural Dynamics of Conflict over Urban Development

“…These fears include a decline in property values, an increase in crime, and a strain on public services like education (i.e., a combination of economic interests and quality of life) (Dear 1992;Pendall 1999). Research shows that the actual impacts of projects like low-income housing on such factors as property values and crime in communities are mixed, and sometimes even positive (see Deng 2009;Ellen et al 2007;Freeman and Botein 2002;Nguyen 2005;Palmer 2016). Still, many residents facing their construction perceive and react as if they will harm their interests.…”