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The transformation of public housing will necessarily have profound effects on the lives of thousands of very vulnerable families. For three decades, public housing served as the housing of last resort, with federal regulations increasingly favoring the neediest households. But this transformation has meant dramatic changes in federal policy for housing the poor by promoting mixed-income housing and the use of vouchers to prevent the concentration of troubled, low-income households. This transformation has largely failed to address the needs of the hard-to-house residents who have relied on public housing for stable, if less than ideal, housing. We use data from two studies of developments targeted for HOPE VI (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere) revitalization to estimate the size of the hard-to-house population. We conclude that public housing authorities will need to develop a range of alternative options to ensure that all residents obtain stable, secure housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the funding provided by the CARES Act to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on housing, particularly for low-income older adults and people with disabilities living in public and assisted housing. While the funding helps with rent and housing expenses, additional targeted support and services are needed to ensure the health and safety of these vulnerable populations during the pandemic.

The article discusses the aim of housing authorities to administer the subsidies and serve as landlords to the families who depend on them and also provide access to other essential services and supports for their residents. Through work on the Housing Opportunity and Services Together Initiative, the authorities help promote the health and well-being of their residents. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development provides some funding for this work.