The HOPE VI Program: What about the residents?

Abstract

During the 1990s, the federal government dramatically changed its policy on housing the poor. Under the HOPE VI (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere) Program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development intended to address the concentration of troubled low-income households in public housing by moving away from its reliance on project-based assistance and promoting instead the construction of mixed-income housing and the use of housing subsidies.This article presents important evidence from two systematic, multicity studies on how the original residents of HOPE VI developments have been affected by this radical new approach to public housing. While many residents have clearly benefited, the findings raise critical questions about whether the transformation of public housing will achieve its potential as a powerful force for improving the lives of low-income families.

Draining or gaining? The social networks of public housing movers in Boston

“…Not surprisingly, for the women in the current study, who were enmeshed in such networks prior to moving, relocation resulted in less instrumental and emotional support (which in turn had a detrimental effect on some women's economic stability and mental health; see Curley, 2006). These findings concur with other recent studies that HOPE VI relocation often breaks up strong social networks, which can have a negative impact on families (Clampet-Lundquist, 2004;Greenbaum, 2002;Popkin et al, 2004). The majority of women in this study made no new ties in their neighborhoods in the two years following relocation, raising concerns about their ability to access adequate support.…”

¿Es posible la integración residencial en las ciudades chilenas?: Disposición de los grupos medios y altos a la integración con grupos de extracción popular

“…Su finalidad ha sido diversificar los complejos de public housing por la vía de atraer a ellos a residentes de mayor condición social y, a la vez, dispersar a parte de sus residentes antiguos en pequeños conjuntos residenciales en los suburbios de clase media (Zhang & Wiesmann, 2006). El objetivo de integración social ha sido entendido como el de crear "comunidades sustentables" (Popkin, 2006). En Chile, a partir del año 2006, la política de vivienda ha considerado entre sus objetivos la promoción de una mayor "integración social" en las ciudades.…”

Is Public Housing the Cause of Poor Health or a Safety Net for the Unhealthy Poor?

“…17 The 1992 HOPE VI policy to deconcentrate poverty by demolishing public housing and relocating residents into private market housing was designed to improve the living conditions of public housing residents. 18,19 The implication is that, once removed from the concentrated poverty environment of public housing, the lives of former residents would improve. Yet, the majority of research on relocations, even relocations into low-poverty neighborhoods, has shown little evidence that health improves 4-5 years after relocation.…”