Does public housing reduce housing cost burden among low-income families with children?

ABSTRACT

About half of all renter households and over three-quarters of very low-income households in the United States experience a housing cost burden, with higher rates among families with children. Public housing may be an important tool for reducing families’ housing cost burdens. The current study uses nearly four decades of data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and its Assisted Housing Database to explore the relationship between public housing and housing cost burden among children in low-income families. Results from fixed effects models suggest that public housing is associated with a greatly reduced risk of experiencing housing cost burden when housing assistance receipt is measured a year before housing cost burden. These findings highlight the importance of public housing for reducing low-income families’ housing cost burdens.     

Comparing housing affordability and quality among disability households: The United States and its regions

Two national data sets (the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and the Survey of Income and Program Participation) are analyzed to compare housing afford-ability and quality between U.S. disability households and other households and by region. The researchers conclude that disability households in the United States are at risk of inability to afford housing. In addition to higher housing-income ratios, these households are more likely to be older, in poverty, in poor or fair health, and on public assistance than other U.S. households. They are also more likely to carry severe housing cost burdens, to be in housing poverty, and to be receiving housing assistance. Regional differences among disability households and their housing seem to echo geographic economic and population trends, as well as regional variances in the housing stock. The data, which did not address housing accessibility, are less clear about disability households' risks relative to housing quality. Her research interests include housing for special needs populations, community housing needs assessment, and housing policy. She received her Ph.D. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His research interests include professional practice and the housing needs of special needs populations, particularly the homeless. He received his Master's degree from California State University at Chico. He is a Housing Extension Specialist with the Cooperative Extension Service. His research interests include environmental issues, housing at-risk populations, and international housing. He received his Ph.D. from Cornell University.     

The Influence of Marital Status and Age on the Housing Behavior of Older Southern Women

Age and marital status are frequently cited as predictors of the housing and living arrangements of individuals and families. This study investigates the influence of marital status and age on the housing behavior of older Southern women. The sample consisted of 227 widowed female houshold heads and 227 married females living with their spouse. These subjects were part of larger sample of 1,804 households living in non-metropolitan areas in seven southern states. It is a contributing study to the S141 Southern Regional Housing Project "Housing for Low and Moderate Income Families." The analysis strategy was executed on six groupings of dependent variables. These were: (a) current housing situation, (b) housing costs, (c) geographic mobility, (d) housing satisfaction, (e) decision making and (f) consumer acceptance of housing alternatives. The results suggest that widowhood and age are both relatively important determinants of housing behavior and attitudes. The effects of widowhood appeared to be strongest in determining the housing situation, housing satisfaction and several attitudes toward housing alternatives. The effects of age appeared most powerful in determining housing costs, mobility and several attitudes about housing alternatives.     

对租赁型公共住房退出机制的思考

上海目前的出租型公共住房包括廉租房、租赁型经适房和公租房。随着上海住房保障体系建设的快速推进,租赁型公共住房后期管理中的退出问题受到关注,如何有效地使用公共住房资源,从一些国家和地区的经验出发,可从3个方面进行思考:根据收入及资产准入线,决定租赁型公共住房退出机制;根据承租人是否遵纪守法,决定租赁型公共住房退出机制;租赁型公共住房以出售作为退出。     

Estimation of elderly housing demand in an Asian city: Methodological issues and policy implications

Projection of elderly housing demands and needs has always been complex because of the volatility and heterogeneity of the factors involved. This paper argues that in a society where the tradition of elderly parents co-habiting with the children's family is breaking up, the projection of elderly housing demands for planning and policy purposes may not be scientifically possible. This owes to the impossibility to gauge housing affordability of the elderly by conventional indicators and the lack of information on the market behaviour of the elderly alone. This paper suggests the analysis of pre-retirement income, housing arrangements and housing aspiration to help elderly housing service providers to make more informed decisions. However, the projection of housing needs is more plausible if the underlying demographic projection models take care of major demographic trends such as household sizes and types, and if surveys are carried out to gauge housing aspirations of contemporary elderly persons. By using the above methods, the paper projected the future elderly housing needs and demands of Hong Kong, and found that public rental housing was perceived as the most secure type of housing regardless of affordability. This preference may reflect anomalies in elderly policies, particularly the lack of housing choices to suit the varied needs and affordability.     

Gender and Race in the History of Housing Policy and Research: From Industrialization to Hurricane Katrina

This study examines how gender and race have shaped housing policy and research. In it, I analyze the history of housing policies and practices in the United States. Concurrently, I analyze the academic literature related to housing throughout these same time periods to understand issues relating to women, race, and housing. The primary goal of this article is to understand how intersecting oppressions have disadvantaged various groups of women, especially poor women of color, in the realm of housing. This study also provides a context for examining the problematic housing policies that were developed for those affected by Hurricane Katrina, who were predominately poor people of color. The widespread housing problems faced by Katrina survivors revealed a significant mismatch between housing policies and the needs of populations marginalized by gender, race, and class. I conclude with a call for a renewed consideration of housing issues among gender and race sociologists, and recommendations for studying post-Katrina housing policies.     

Better Homes and Families: Housing Markets and Young Couple Stability in Sweden

I model the relationship between aspects of the housing market influenced by housing policy and couple stability for cohabiting couples in Sweden. Using data on 3,851 cohabiting couples obtained from the Swedish Family Survey of 1992, I examine the effects of housing market characteristics on couple outcomes. I focus on three housing variables, including the affordability of housing, the availability of detached housing, and the profitability of ownership. I link these variables to the transitions from cohabitation to marriage or separation in Sweden. Policy relevant aspects of the housing market are shown to have significant effects on the stability of couples in Sweden. Greater affordability increases couple stability. Intriguingly, greater availability of detached housing significantly weakens couple stability.     

保障房市场与商品房市场关系研究

保障房和商品房在本质上是差异化产品,两者在对应的需求层次、房屋的品质、价格、供给和渠道等方面都存在着巨大的差别。自我国房地产市场化以来,商品房就始终处于市场独大的局面,但随着近年来我国政府加大了对楼市的调控、加快了保障房建设的步伐,房地产市场已朝着保障房市场和商品房市场并重的＂双轨制＂迈进。然而,保障房的大规模兴建和投放市场会对商品房市场乃至整个中国楼市产生什么影响,以及保障房供给体系在运行与管理过程中存在什么问题,目前尚不确定。为此,有必要对其深入分析并寻找对策。     

Towards an effective strategy to cope with housing land scarcity in the Gaza Strip as a sustainable development priority

Consistent with the global trends towards the adoption and implementation of sustainable urban planning strategies, this study discusses the problem of housing land shortage, considering the ever rapidly growing human population. Urban land is one of the most precious resources that need to be consumed and developed wisely. In this context, housing density is a widely used tool to control housing land consumption and ensure acceptable housing environments. With reference to the Gaza Strip (Palestinian Territories), the main aim of this study is to highlight the role of increasing housing density in order to face the problem of housing land scarcity. Within this scope, building legislation implemented in Gaza has been reviewed with reference to housing density. A questionnaire and a case study have been analyzed to propose recommendations related to housing planning and design. It has been concluded that rationalising urban land consumption in Gaza can be achieved by a dual strategy approach that increases housing density above the currently specified limit, and reduces the area of the typical Palestinian housing unit. This has to be done without sacrificing the limited open spaces available in the local housing environment. Thus, solutions that strike a balance between dense housing patterns and adequate urban environment, are essentially required here.     

Living in Affordable Housing and Duration of Tenure: Do Older Adults Stay in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Projects as They Age?

Compliance data for the low-income housing tax credit program in Ohio was examined to identify factors associated with affordable housing tenure. Residents aged 55 and older reported a median tenure duration of 2.7 years. Cox regression was used to explore time until exiting housing, controlling for demographic factors, and the date the housing project was placed into service. Results suggest that duration of tenure was predicted by age and race. Modifications to the state Qualified Allocation Plan guiding development under the low-income housing tax credit program should be considered to promote aging in place in affordable housing. Reasons for exiting and subsequent housing choice should be explored.     

加大中端住房市场支持构建梯级住房供应体系

调整住房供应结构,加大可支付住房供应,实现“住有所居”,是当前房地产政策支持重点。合理的住房供应结构应与居民住房支付能力相适应。上海构建多层次住房供应体系,应立足于居民实际住房支付能力,重在解决住房供应与消费的结构性矛盾。通过调研分析当前上海市住房供应存在的主要问题,并结合美国住房供应的经验,提出构建上海市梯级住房供应体系的具体对策。     

Determinants of housing quality: A comparison of white,African-American,and Hispanic single-parent women

This study examines housing quality among three groups of single-parent women: white, African-American, and Hispanic. Three indicators of housing quality—crowding, affordability, and satisfaction—are used to discover the extent to which these groups experience housing problems. This study also explores differences and similarities in the factors that precipitate problems in housing quality for these three groups of single parents. Findings suggest important differences and similarities in the nature of housing quality problems among white, African-American, and Hispanic single-parent women. The specified variables explained about 20% of the variance in crowding, housing affordability, and housing satisfaction. On measures of objective and subjective housing quality, white single mothers are better housed than their African-American or Hispanic counterparts. Hispanic single mothers have the largest housing cost burden and average more persons per household than the other groups. African-Americans are twice as likely as either group to live in low-quality housing and reported the lowest average satisfaction with their housing. Her research interests include housing and neighborhood assessment and women and public policy issues. She has recently published articles inUrban Affairs Quarterly andHousing and Society on housing and neighborhood assessment criteria among black urban households and the housing cost burden of various groups of female-headed households. She received her Ph.D. from Ohio State University. Her research interests include the housing adjustment behavior of women and public policy. She has recently completed her thesis on the role of noncustodial parents in determining the quality of life of their children. She is also the recipient of the Tessie Agan Award for research excellence from the American Association of Housing Educators for a paper titled “Unterstanding Constraints and Residential Satisfaction among Low-Income Single-Parent Families.”     

Housing policy in Nigeria: towards enablement of private housing development

One of the continuing challenges posed by unprecedented urbanization in the developing countries is the provision of adequate housing. Over the last three decades, Nigeria, like several developing countries, has emphasised public housing schemes, but with little success. This coincides with global paradigm shift from direct public provision of housing to the enablement of private shelter initiatives and housing production. The paper discusses private housing development features and dynamics and the factors affecting the sector in the country. It argues for the creation of an enabling environment, including support of housing initiatives and investments by householders, small-scale providers, and entrepreneurial private firms. The paper identifies the implications of enabling strategy for housing finance, access to land, residential infrastructure, institutional regulations and building materials and related industry particularly in the light of the need for the private sector to play greater roles in housing. It draws from aspects of empirical study by the authors and some review of housing policy-related issues.     

关于共有产权房模式的认识

发展共有产权房、增加中低收入群体的财产性收入,应是当前上海住房保障制度建设中可以选择的一个主攻方向。上海可构建一个包括廉租房、经适房、公租房、安置房等在内的共有产权住房保障体系。     

上海老旧公房管理与运营机制研究

公房是我国计划经济年代的产物,上海直管公房、售后公房在当前管理运营中存在诸多突出问题。公房管理涉及的内容非常宽泛,包括房屋买卖置换、租金费用收缴、邻里纠纷调解、违章搭建处理以及房屋的维修维护等,是改善居民工作与生活环境、提高居住水平的基础工作,也是城市建设和管理的重要内容。完善上海老旧公房管理与运营机制,应提高物业费收缴率,加强物业管理企业自身建设,健全公房服务收费机制,加强相关政策法规的执行力度,加大政府投入,完善业主大会自治机制等。     

Precariously placed: housing affordability,quality and satisfaction of Australians with disabilities

Access to adequate, safe, secure, accessible and affordable housing is a fundamental human right and one stipulated in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Australian adults with disabilities experience housing disadvantage including homelessness, poor-quality housing and housing unaffordability; however, we lack a comprehensive comparison of the housing circumstances of people with and without disabilities and differences by impairment type. We analysed data from a nationally representative sample of 11,394 working-aged Australians collected in 2011. We found that people with disabilities experienced disadvantage across all housing indicators, and people with intellectual and psychological disabilities fared worst. These findings suggest that there is a housing crisis for Australians with disabilities, which may intensify with the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. There is a need to develop long-term housing solutions that promote independence, are accessible and affordable, and that consider location and neighbourhood context.     

Temporal effects of distressed housing on early childhood risk factors and kindergarten readiness

Poor housing quality and housing crises have been linked to adverse outcomes for children. However, few studies have focused on the early childhood period or been able to pinpoint how the timing and duration of housing problems contributes to early educational success. This longitudinal study draws on linked administrative records from housing, education, social service and health agencies to examine the influence of exposure to housing neighborhood conditions since birth on school readiness of all children entering kindergarten over a four-year period in a big city school system. Using marginal structural models that properly account for dynamic housing and neighborhood selection, we find that children exposed to problematic housing and disadvantaged neighborhoods have lower kindergarten readiness scores after accounting for other factors. The negative effects of housing problems on kindergarten readiness are partially mediated by child maltreatment incidences, residential instability, and elevated blood lead levels. Communities are advised to pay more attention to distressed housing as a cause of disparities in early child development and school readiness.     

The Struggle for Housing in Rural Venezuela: Ideology,Practice, and Power1

Abstract Little is known about the struggle for housing in rural areas or whether rural housing standards and aspirations resemble those of urban areas. This article, based on field research in Venezuela, analyzes housing ideology as expressed in public policy and housing programs, and in interviews with and actions of rural leaders, employers, government officials, and citizens. Competing housing ideologies co-exist but one—the cement-block house—dominates; although international and urban in origin, the cement-block model is diffused through rural housing agencies and political agendas. Housing practices are neither consistent with nor weaken the dominant ideology; and some aspects of rural housing conflicts are similar to those in urban settings. These findings support the need for further research to better understand the conditions under which rural and urban housing issues differ.     

State Units on Aging and Housing for the Elderly:

One major goal of the Older Americans Act (OAA) is to promote suitable housing for the elderly through the aging network that includes the State Units on Aging (SUAs). Little is known, however, about SUA activity in this area. This article reports on the results of a recent survey of SUA housing efforts and roles played, collaborations and networks, resources, and priorities, accomplishments and future initiatives. To better link housing and services and expand housing options as some SUAs are already doing-especially in services coordination in existing housing, board and care, home equity conversion mortgages and assisted living-they must redefine housing as part of community-based care, vigorously focus political and advocacy skills on housing issues, and expand their capacity building and expertise in housing by resetting priorities and reallocating budgets.