Who benefits from preservation: The people behind the numbers

Abstract

This paper summarizes available information about the characteristics of the 4.4 million renter households in federally assisted housing. Where possible, characteristics are summarized by housing program and include information on income levels and sources, elderly and family households, and minority households. The story of a below market interest rate housing complex in Burlington, Vermont, illustrates the people at risk and one approach to preserving their housing. Accounts by elderly persons displaced in conversions of buildings subsidized under Farmers Home Administration rental assistance bring home the reality of the hardships faced by households at risk. An appendix addresses threats to the continued provision of assisted housing, including owner options to convert properties to market purposes, default, and the much more general issue of continued federal support.