Well, once again it seems that low income individuals are getting the short end of the stick. Not only do low income individuals have access to the lowest standard housing, but most individuals benefiting from public housing are also racial or ethnic minorities, too. The statistics of Atlantans living in critical housing conditions is worse. In fact, many of those in critical housing are single mothers, earn less than 50% of median income, and put more than 50% of their income to housing payments. For those that don't know, it is suggested that one put no more than 30% of annual income towards housing needs and contributing anything above 30% would mean that the family is more than likely going without basic necessities, such as food. The children of low income individuals tend to suffer, as well. Children living in low poverty neighborhoods tend to get involved in violent activities less often than those who live in high poverty neighborhoods.
The answer to this question is quite simple. Housing affordability has decreased over the last three decades, but the working class individuals incomes' aren't enough to meet basic housing needs (30% rule). As stated earlier, a working class individual may find a home to live in, but more than likely they are paying more than 50% of income on housing.
There are many programs in place to help reduce the amount of concentrated poverty stricken areas in the United States. The government offers public housing and vouchers, both designed to supplement the individuals income to pay for housing. Housing vouchers seem to be the most helpful in reducing concentrated poverty areas, because they give individuals the opportunity to move to low-poverty, low-minority neighborhoods where there is wide range of incomes. Those who live in public housing are more likely to live in high-poverty, high-minority areas because of the high concentration of poverty stricken individuals in one area (obviously). The housing act of 1937 was the initial aim at eradicating slums, providing sanitary housing, and decreasing unemployment. Since then The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, The Community Development Block Grant, The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (1976), The Community Reinvestment Act, and The Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 have all been implemented to help, in one way or another, eradicate unsanitary housing, revitalize neighborhoods, and benefit low/moderate income families.
As far as I am concerned, it seems like the government is taking the right steps to provide more affordable and low poverty housing neighborhoods for those in the low/moderate income bracket.
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