Community-Based Housing Programs: Overview, Assessment, and Agenda for the Future

Abstract

This paper reviews three broad types of community-based housing programs and assesses their contributions toward providing decent, affordable housing to low- and moderate-income households. Despite some significant weaknesses in the overall approach, community-based housing offers many benefits and provides real options for people who are struggling with the frustration and despair of poor housing. Based upon a generally positive evaluation, the paper concludes by outlining a coordinated public support system for community-based housing activities.