Public Housing Myths
*adapted from the Baytown Housing Authority

Public housing is one of American society's greatest success stories. It works as an instrument to build stronger communities and everyone benefits, from affluent to destitute. Those who would argue otherwise just don't know the facts! As with most public programs, a rare or occasional failure makes the media headlines while the overall program is quietly making a huge and successful difference in the lives of individuals or the economic and social welfare of communities throughout the country. By helping our citizens become self-sufficient, they become able to contribute to the community rather than depend on it. Public housing authorities are also actively involved in purchasing and redeveloping housing units to increase the availability of affordable, attractive housing to low and middle income families. In doing so, considerable community revitalization occurs. Housing quality and standards inspections of privately owned apartment units housing rental assisted residents raises the overall standard of living for all residents in that particular community. Public housing authorities are not "slumlords;" they are community builders!

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin is one of 424 public housing authorities in Texas and over 3,200 nationwide that contain over 14,000 public housing developments, consisting of over 35,000 buildings, helping 1.4 million families and providing safe and healthy housing for over 5 million Americans who would prefer and are working to become self-sufficient. PHAs can vary in size from 20 units to over 10,000 and serve communities of a few as 500 to 10 million residents. The need is determined by individual and contingent circumstances (e.g. local economics), regardless of location or community size.

Yet the need far surpasses the supply of affordable housing. The Austin Housing Authority has a multiyear waiting list for public housing assistance, with priority given to elderly and disabled, which is typical of most PHAs, regardless of size and location. The need to work in close harmony with the community's businesses, individuals and government / nonprofit agencies cannot be over-emphasized. Governmental assistance relieves the effects from, but cannot eliminate the causes of, problems that place people in economic and social crisis. These include uncontrollable economic events, unexpected family tragedies, generational poverty cycles, etc. Innovative collaborations with private entities are needed to identify and implement new ways to provide affordable housing, either rental or home ownership opportunities to those seeking the American dream of a stable home for their families.

Resident satisfaction surveys tallied by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development showed that an average satisfaction rate with public housing authorities and programs nationally is 75 percent. This exceeded customer satisfaction rates for major U.S. corporations (such as McDonalds, Mariott and CitiBank, which are among the highest ranked in independent surveys), so public housing as an enterprise must be doing something right! Yet, the biggest concern is to address the 25 percent area where improvements are needed. HUD's Public Housing Assessment System intends to open the doors of visibility to public housing's success as an American institution by presenting the facts about public housing's success and impact on communities and American life in general. Every public housing authority participates and receives comprehensive ratings on all aspects of housing management, resident satisfaction and success toward self-sufficiency and quality of physical facilities. We need to let this secret out of the bag -- public housing works and is "a part of," not "apart from," our local community both socially and economically. The Austin Housing Authority is a team player and integral part of the Austin community in this regard.

A lack of affordable housing negatively affects employers, seniors, poor people, immigrants, entry-level and service sector workers and public sector professionals such as teachers, firefighters and police officers. It also impinges on broader quality of life issues such as the economic development of the region, traffic congestion, commute times and air quality. In short, it affects us all. Effectively addressing the affordable housing crisis does mean addressing the needs of the poor. However, it also means addressing the needs of the business community, working and middle-class families and the broader population.