ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the operation of federal government policies and programs with respect to the "housing quotient"—the condition of and access to housing—of black Americans. It discusses access to housing and covers two broad categories—access without discrimination based on race, family composition, or welfare status, and access to housing by ability to afford it. The "housing quotient"—the condition of and access to housing—is defined for black American families and is examined in conjunction with the major relevant federal policies and programs. The chapter examines patterns by race in access to existing housing, to newly constructed housing, to suitable living environments, and to market information. It discusses actual and expected ownership rates, as well as the afford-ability question for renters. The chapter describes federal housing policies and programs and then cites available examples of their effect on the condition of and access to housing by black families. It provides financial assistance to lower-income renter households that occupy standard quality dwellings.
