BiggerPockets Daily A Short History of Public Housing in the United States
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Feb 24, 2025 Dive into the intriguing history of public housing in the U.S., tracing its origins from ancient times to the dramatic high-rises of the mid-20th century. Discover the ups and downs of various housing projects, including the notorious Cabrini-Green. Explore modern alternatives like Section 8 vouchers and tax credits, and discuss the challenges they face today. Will government-supported housing find a viable path forward, or is history destined to repeat itself? Tune in for a thought-provoking journey through the past and future of public housing.
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Early Public Housing
- Ancient Egyptians housed workers building pharaohs' tombs.
- Medieval serfs labored for shelter, essentially economic prisoners tied to estates.
Industrial Revolution & Housing
- The Industrial Revolution's rapid urbanization led to overcrowded slums and deteriorating living conditions.
- Despite economic growth, the average height of British citizens declined due to poor conditions.
Fuggerei: Early Social Housing
- Jacob Fugger built the Fuggerei in 1521 to house needy Catholic workers.
- This early social housing project stemmed from charity, not government policy.