A professional's reflections

Article Abstract:

The issue of tenant empowerment is explored from the point of view of a seasoned housing authority manager. It is suggested that the concept is flawed for a number of reasons. One of these is existence of a double standard in how the Housing and Urban Development treats traditional housing authorities and tenant-managed housing projects. While housing authorities struggle to comply with with cumbersome regulatory requirements, tenant-managed projects enjoy less accountability requirements, the freedom to make decisions about tenant selection and eviction, and greater funding. Another point raised against tenant empowerment is its implication that public housing is the solution to the problems of less-priviledged families. It is argued that the primary purpose of public housing is to provide a temporary solution to the needs of the poor while they strive towards economic independence.

Tenants, Participatory management

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Self-help for residents: an idea whose time has come

Article Abstract:

The concept of self-help for public housing occupants advocates equipping residents with the skills needed to accomplish simple home maintenance tasks. Both housing authorities and residents can reap considerable economic and social benefits from the self-help program. Aside from being spared fromfrustration with maintenance backlog, the program helps residents acquire marketable skills and encourages them to be responsible and self-sufficient. As for housing authorities, the program allows them to focus on other pressing tasks. A four-step approach to implementing a self-helping program is offered to interested housing managers. This approach involves enlisting the support of the housing staff, discussing the benefits of the program with housing occupants, putting up a Self-Help Center, and soliciting feedback regarding the program's effectiveness from the residents.

Self-help housing, Self help housing

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