“This is what I call home”: reflections of public housing residents awaiting relocation

Abstract

Public housing communities often provide residents the opportunity to build a network of support and strong social ties, something that is disrupted when residents are relocated as a result of HOPE VI and similar redevelopment efforts. While the outcome of these relocation efforts is a frequent source of inquiry, little is known about the ways in which residents view the relocation and redevelopment process prior to their displacement. This qualitative study fills a gap in the literature by examining the experiences of 33 residents, ages 11–58, who were living in a 125-unit public housing community slated for demolition and redevelopment. The study explored the questions: (1) What are public housing residents’ experiences living in their public housing community before relocation? and (2) How do their experiences shape how they feel about leaving the community and their plans for relocation? Study findings suggested that long-term residents, both adults and children, struggled with feelings of loss of home and community as well as uncertainty over the future. Residents with shorter-term tenancy tended to view the redevelopment as needed and the opportunity to relocate with a voucher as an opportunity to improve their housing.

Keywords:

• public housing
• forced relocation
• community attachment

Notes

1. For a more thorough discussion of this issue, see chapter 7 in Goetz (2013a).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kimberly Skobba

Kim Skobba is an Assistant Professor in Housing and Consumer Economics at the University of Georgia. Her research interests include the housing pathways of low-income families and the use of social capital in addressing housing and community development issues. She earned a PhD and MA, both in Housing Studies, from the University of Minnesota’s College of Design.

Kristi-Warren Scott

Kristi Scott is a PhD candidate at the University of Georgia in the Department of Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics studying food access issues and associated health impacts. Kristi has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree and a Master of Business Administration degree and has worked in food service supply chain and value added products. Kristi has also worked with the Griffin (GA) Housing Authority on the Personal and Household Social Mobility program where public housing residents receive financial coaching and are evaluated based on any personal or social changes that have occurred after being coached.

Shaquita Young

Shaquita Young holds an MS in Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics. Her area of interest is in financial literacy counseling.