The History and Impact of Public Housing

Public housing was established in the United States as a response to the dire living conditions faced by many low-income families, particularly in urban areas. In New York City, the public housing model aimed to provide safe and affordable living spaces for those escaping overcrowded and substandard tenements. Over time, however, this initiative faced significant challenges, particularly with declining federal and state support, leading to widespread neglect and deterioration of housing projects. Today, a considerable portion of public housing residents are people of color, contrasting starkly with the initial demographic focus, highlighting systemic changes in urban housing policies.