Housing in America

Description

Housing is a fundamental need and universal part of human living that shapes our lives in profound ways that go far beyond basic sheltering. Where we live can determine our self-image, social status, health and safety, quality of public services, access to jobs, and transportation options. But the reality for many in America is that housing choices are constrained: costs are unaffordable, discriminatory practices remain, and physical features do not align with needs. We have made a national commitment to decent housing for all, yet this promise remains unrealized. Housing in America provides a broad overview of the field of housing. The evolution of housing norms and policy is explored in a historical context while underscoring the human and cultural dimensions of housing program choices. Specific topics covered include: why housing matters; housing and culture; housing frameworks and political ideologies; housing and opportunities; housing and the economy; housing discrimination; housing affordability; rental housing; and housing and climate change. Readers will gain an understanding of the basic debates within the field of housing, consider the motivations and performance of various interventions, and critically examine persistent patterns of racial and class inequality. With short case studies, primary source materials, reflective exercises, strong visuals, and interviews with practitioners, this introductory text explores improving housing choices in America. Cover Endorsements Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Contents List of Figures, Tables, and Boxes Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Unique Qualities of Housing Levels of Influence Housing Influence on the Personal Level Housing Influence on the Community Level Housing Influence on the National Level Unique Characteristics of Housing Housing Is More Than a Product Housing Is Heterogeneous Housing Is the Largest Household Purchase Financial and Emotional Costs of Moving Can Be High Housing Is Durable and Appreciates Over Time Housing Is Shaped by Cultural Norms and Institutional Practices Conclusion Questions and Activities Notes References 2. Housing and Culture What Is Culture? America's Flawed Foundation Cultural Preference for Homeownership House and Household Size Dominance of the Single-Family House Use of the Home Space Culturally Based Housing Design Life Cycle and Housing Leaving Home Nuclear Family Multigenerational Households Conclusion Questions and Activities References 3. Framing Housing: Disciplinary Approaches and Ideologies Disciplinary Approaches Economics and Housing Sociology and Housing Philosophy and Housing Urban Planning and Housing Political Ideologies Conservatives and Housing Liberals and Housing Radicals and Housing Conclusion Questions and Activities Notes References 4. History of Federal Involvement in Housing Part One 1900-1950s Early Years A Different Type of Crisis A National Commitment That Legitimizes Multiple Federal Roles Part Two 1960-2020s Urban Crisis Increased Local Control and a Leaning Toward Demand-Side Funding New Challenges from Recurring Economic Woes Revisiting the First Wave of Responses Foreclosure Crisis Financialization of Housing COVID-19 Pandemic and Housing Stability Conclusion Questions and Activities Note References 5. Housing and Discrimination Terminology Part One History of Housing Discrimination Impacts of Redlining Alleviating the Problem Shelley v. Kraemer, 1948 The Civil Rights Act, 1968 Community Reinvestment Act, 1977 Violence and Intimidation Housing Discrimination in Recent Years Ethnic and Racial Discrimination Local Policy and Housing Discrimination Same-Sex Couples and Single Parents Women Disabled and Elderly Persons The New Discrimination Part Two Segregation Causes State Actions Market Actions Race and Social Action Consequences of Segregation Source of Income Discrimination Disparate Impact Conclusion Questions and Activities Notes References 6. Housing Needs, Affordability, and Federal Responses Defining Housing Needs Adequacy of Housing Accessibility of Housing Affordability Critiques of the Legislated Housing Need Measure Application of HUD Measure: Who Has Affordability Needs? Federal Responses to Housing Needs Tax Expenditures Direct Expenditures HUD Programs Housing Choice Voucher Program Public Housing Other Unit-Based Subsidies Conclusion Questions and Activities Notes References 7. Housing and Opportunity Housing and Public Health Nutritional Opportunities Access to Open Space Health and Development Patterns Crime Victimization and Exposure Cost of Housing and Health Access to Reproductive Health Facilities Health Care Access and the COVID-19 Pandemic Housing and Education Education and Affordable Housing Questions on the Geography of Opportunity Framing Matters: Poverty Versus Affluence Conclusion Question and Activities References 8. Housing and the Economy The Housing Market Housing Demand Housing Supply Housing and Regulations Housing Filtering Gentrification Conclusion Questions and Activities Notes References 9. Public Housing Profile of Public Housing Today The History of Public Housing Financial Challenges Design Challenges Blaming the Victim The New Philosophy of Public Housing Today Rental Assistance Demonstration Conclusion Questions and Activities References 10. State and Local Housing Initiatives States Planning Mechanisms Funding Mechanisms Regulatory Mechanisms Municipalities Planning Mechanisms Funding Mechanisms Regulatory Mechanisms Conclusion Questions and Activities References 11. Rental Housing in America Who Are Renter Households? Types of Structures Renters Occupy Private Rental Housing Dynamics Types of Owners Enforcing Standards for Residential Rental Property Tenant Screening Evictions Legal Representation in Evictions Just Cause Evictions Sealing Non-action Filings Eviction Diversion Programs COVID-19 Pandemic and Rental Housing Tenant Organizing Conclusion Questions and Activities References 12. People Experiencing Homelessness Why Are People Homeless? Homelessness and Deinstitutionalization Aging Out of Foster Care Veterans and Homelessness Homelessness and Domestic Violence The Criminalization of Homelessness Attaining and Sustaining a Home New Solutions for Homelessness Conclusion Questions and Activities References 13. Community Development Corporations History Characteristics and Activities Housing Examples Other CDC Activities Asset-Based Community Development Intermediaries Funding Tensions within and Critiques of the CDC Model Activists or Technocrats Funders Set Priorities Staffing Challenges Working at the Margins Support for the Status Quo Conclusion Questions and Activities References 14. Housing, Sustainability, and Climate Change Residential Land Use and Climate Change The Impacts of Urban Sprawl Smart Growth to Sustainable Development Open Space Residential Design Residential Building Design, Materials, and Systems LEED Certification Net Zero Energy Building Passive Houses Green Affordable Housing Green Retrofitting Challenges Inequitable Impacts of Climate Change Conclusion Questions and Activities References 15. Conclusion Questions and Activities References Index