Adjustment and Mobility of Elderly Poor Amid Downtown Renewal

Basic information is provided on the subpopulation of non welfare poor and on one type of residential arrangement. The informal social structures, adaptive mechanisms and spatial mobility in a hotel for non welfare poor are examined, and a set of recommendations are developed that emphasize planning strategies geared to the adaptive strenghts of the marginally subsistent, but self-reliant poor. It is noted that citizen participation in urban renewal and relocation should be increased. Citizens aged 65 and over should be able to ride buses for half fare and to buy a monthly bus pass at half the regular rate. This would not only benefit individuals on low income but also increase ridership. A minibus or dial-a-ride system for the elderly, possibly in collaboration with a taxicab company, should be established for those who are not adequately served by the bus system.