Community Lost and Found: Satisfaction and Collective Efficacy Among Relocated Public Housing Residents

Abstract

Over the past several decades, many public housing residents have relocated out of impoverished central city developments through a variety of programs aimed to deconcentrate poverty. This article explores factors that contribute to relocated public housing residents' satisfaction and collective efficacy in their new residence. Results from interviews with relocated public housing residents in the Southwest indicate that perceptions of the quality of the new neighborhood are associated with residents' sense of satisfaction and collective efficacy. The article concludes with suggestions for better formulating relocation policies to increase the likelihood that residents will feel integrated postrelocation.

Keywords:

• poverty deconcentration
• public housing
• relocation