ABSTRACT

This chapter argues that the step from facts to policy is a huge one. Even the complete understanding of housing problems will not lead directly to a set of viable policy prescriptions. Knowledge of the causes of the problems does not by itself suggest the cures. By constraining the universe of policy options as to exclude those which would require a sharp rise in housing subsidies, it is theoretically possible to eliminate from consideration the only solutions that would be regarded by the deprived families themselves. The relative importance of physical and nonphysical problems, as perceived by the residents, is of special significance, and merits greater attention than it has heretofore been given in federal policy. The package as a whole leans heavily on the assumption that the housing situation overall for low-income families in Baltimore is not improving and that this is due in part to unstable market conditions.