Session 13

Housing for the needy and other development policies for communities are extremely important to not only those who are in need of the housing, but also for those in the surrounding areas of the housing. Homeless shelters and government subsidized housing are both often placed in poor areas because those establishments will eventually lead to a decline in property value for the area yet an increase in the crime rate for the neighborhood.

The Housing Act of 1937 was the first comprehensive federal housing legislative. It's main goals were to eradicate the slums and other unsanitary housing conditions.This legislative also created U.S. Housing Authority as well as public housing. In 1974 the country had a new plan, the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Instead of focusing on establishing housing and making living better, this act focused on the community by revitalizing neighborhoods and improving or creating community facilities and services.

In public housing, the residents pay 30% of monthly adjusted income on rent. There are more than 13,000 public housing developments in 3,400 locations in the United States. Section 8 Housing Vouchers allow low income families to occupy more dispersed private housing and will cover the remaining charge of rent after the renter pays their 30% monthly adjusted income. The Section 8 is the largest housing assistance program in the US.

The section 8 vouchers I think are a great idea because they help eliminate my first thoughts that I mentioned in this session. By allowing low income families to live in more affluent areas, they adults have greater access to job opportunities and are able to live in a safer area. However, only one in three eligible families actually get the assistance. I realized that housing assitance was offered, but I didn't know the names of the housing in my original posting (question 3). I really think that the housing vouchers are a great idea, so this is one way that the US is really doing a great job (question 4). I think this program should be extended to be able to house more families, the voucher is an alternative to spending money creating new housing solutions (question 5).

I was very surprised to find that most who are facing critical housing needs are actually living in the suburbs (43%) compared to while 40% lived in central cities. In a ranking of 31 metro areas, Atlanta ranks 12th for critical housing need.