Research Report An Improved Living Environment, But...
Larry Buron, Christopher R. Hayes
Display Date
File
File
Download Report
(2.21 MB)

Chicago's Plan for Transformation improved housing quality for residents in our study; most reported living in extremely distressed units in 2001 but by 2011, just 25 percent reported such severe problems. Although their neighborhoods are still poor and racially segregated, they have higher rates of collective efficacy, less social disorder, and fewer signs of physical disorder. Many respondents are experiencing material hardship, including food insecurity and trouble paying bills and utilities. Voucher holders, in particular, are moving frequently with no perceptible improvement in housing or neighborhood quality. In fact, voucher holders report more housing problems than residents in public housing.
Research Areas Neighborhoods, cities, and metros Housing
Tags Federal housing programs and policies Housing vouchers and mobility Federal urban policies Public and assisted housing
Policy Centers Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center