Low- Income Housing Essay Example

projects have adopted sustainable practices which include the use of energy-efficient systems, appliances, lighting fixtures, and landscaping to conserve resources. Additionally, these projects incorporate low-fume paint and carpeting as well as durable materials that require less frequent replacement (Cohen).

Residents of these sustainable housing projects experience lower utility costs while housing developers and owners benefit from government subsidies, reduced operating expenses, and structurally robust buildings compared to traditional low-income housing options (Marin; Cohen).

Residents who live in sustainably designed housing projects are more likely to stay in the project for a longer time compared to those living in traditionally constructed projects. A community with a sustainably designed project typically perceives the project more positively, fostering a sense of community and inclusion for the residents instead of being treated as outcasts (Marin). Research indicates that individuals residing in sustainable housing projects relocate less frequently and hold positive sentiments toward their homes.

Susan King, a principal at Chicago's architecture firm Harvey Devereaux, emphasized the positive impact of green housing projects on both the community and the residents, stating, "When developers actively promote the environmental aspects of a building to the community and educate its inhabitants about these features, the building becomes recognized for its environmentally friendly qualities. This can help counteract the stigma often associated with affordable housing and even instill a sense of pride among its residents" (Marin).

Additionally, green housing projects offer a healthier living environment compared to conventional housing projects (Marin).

According to a study conducted by Cornell University in upstate New York, it was found that over 200 low-income and mid-income children were compared to investigate the impact of living conditions on their health. The results revealed that

poorer children were five times more likely to face environmental stresses, which directly contributed to health issues (source: Public Health; Overcrowded and noisy living conditions may contribute to bad health). The researchers evaluated crowding, noise, and housing quality among a group of 8- to 10-year-olds. Consistently, the findings showed that low-income children experienced physiological and psychological stress as a result of elevated levels of stress hormones. To address these environmental stressors and make improvements, sustainable low-income housing designs should prioritize occupant well-being while incorporating green building materials. Moreover, an article published in the New York Times in 1990 highlighted the alarming increase of epidemics in inner cities since the 1980s. The urban poor population residing within what reporter Elizabeth Rosenthal refers to as "islands of illness" are particularly affected (source: Rosenthal).

"Dr. Beatriz Arpayaglou, a pediatrician with the University Hospital in Newark's Children's Health Project, works in Newark where medical teams are sent to low-income housing projects in vans equipped like medical offices," said Dr. Arpayaglou (Rosenthal). She added that the situation observed here is similar to that of underdeveloped countries, with diseases reemerging in the United States since the early 20th century (Rosenthal).

According to Rosenthal, Acevedo-Garcia, and Spielman, poor individuals, especially children, face health crises due to various factors such as inadequate nutrition, overcrowded living conditions, and exposure to disease-carrying pests. Additionally, those residing in government-subsidized housing projects rely on government assistance for healthcare."

Evidence consistently shows that housing projects in major cities are hubs for disease, violence, and excessive stress among residents. These high-stress environments can lead to various physical and psychological issues including depression, behavioral problems in children, and emotional and cognitive difficulties. Consequently,

the long-term effects on childhood development often result in lifelong health complications, placing an additional burden on taxpayers by increasing government healthcare expenses. Moreover, adults living in these housing projects have higher mortality rates than the general population due to stress and limited access to nutritious food sources (Rosenthal; Acevedo-Garcia; Spielman). In summary, the use of traditional housing projects by the government for extremely impoverished individuals incurs extra healthcare costs while compromising residents' well-being.

The government's implementation of low-income housing is ineffective on multiple fronts. A new approach is clearly necessary, and sustainable design offers solutions that improve the economy, help humanity, protect the environment, promote health, and enhance aesthetics. In low-income housing projects with a focus on sustainability, low-fume paint and carpeting are used as examples of materials that have a minor impact on the environment while maintaining high air quality within these structures. Developers who prioritize eco-friendly projects opt for green building materials that are inherently less toxic compared to commonly used materials in construction today.

These materials have a lower amount of volatile organic compounds and therefore have less off-gassing over time. Green low-income housing developments inherently have better air quality compared to traditional projects (Marin). High Point, a green low-income housing project in West Seattle, consists of 35 homes designed specifically for children with asthma (Cohen). Kollin Min, the Senior Regional Program Director of Maryland’s Enterprise Community Partners, states that green building, which encompasses resource conservation and indoor air quality improvement, is a logical choice for low-income housing as it is cost-effective for those with limited resources and provides a healthier living environment for those more susceptible to respiratory ailments (Cohen). Sustainable low-income

housing projects are embraced by various communities and play a vital role in promoting integration. The segregation of impoverished individuals into predominantly poor neighborhoods has been demonstrated to negatively impact the health of those residents.

The MTO program, which began in 1994, conducted a study on impoverished families with children. Participants were divided into three groups: the control group remained in public housing, the second group received unrestricted Section 8 vouchers, and the experimental group obtained housing vouchers for low-poverty neighborhoods. Additionally, the experimental group received counseling to assist them in finding appropriate housing (Acevedo-Garcia).

Throughout the study, various factors such as education, employment status, health condition, and reliance on public assistance were closely monitored (Acevedo-Garcia). A recent report from HUD's evaluation revealed that girls from the experimental group...

According to Acevedo-Garcia, individuals who relocated to low-poverty neighborhoods experienced better mental health and had a lower likelihood of using marijuana and smoking compared to girls who remained in public housing. Adults in the experimental group also had reduced rates of obesity and a decreased prevalence of mental health issues like psychological distress and depression. The study examined factors such as improved living spaces, reduced crime-related stress levels, and access to better institutional amenities like schools, healthcare, and childcare facilities that contributed to these outcomes. The authors also evaluated the availability of information on healthy living habits and access to nutritious food. They discovered that predominantly impoverished areas had a higher concentration of alcohol and fast food establishments but limited access to supermarkets or grocery stores offering fresh produce.

Acevedo-Garcia suggests that residents in minority neighborhoods may face obstacles in participating in physical activity because of higher crime rates and

limited access to green spaces, sidewalks, and bike paths. They also mention that the limited availability of healthy foods at the neighborhood level can affect dietary choices.

In another study, low-income families were relocated to middle-class neighborhoods. The results showed that adults who relocated to low-poverty neighborhoods experienced a decrease in exposure to violence and disorder, improved health, lower rates of alcohol abuse, reduced reliance on cash assistance, greater satisfaction with neighborhood resources, better housing quality, and higher employment rates compared to those who remained in high-poverty neighborhoods (Fauth).

Within mixed-income communities, sustainable low-income housing is more favorably received than traditional low-income housing due to encountering less opposition.

By implementing sustainable design for low-income housing, residents can experience two improvements in their well-being: firstly, green buildings enhance living conditions within the structures, and secondly, the structures themselves enable residents to reside in neighborhoods that offer stronger social, economic, and institutional support and services. The communities where sustainable low-income housing projects are built also reap benefits from these projects as green buildings not only advance environmental sustainability and energy efficiency but also have an appealing visual impact. A notable example is homeWORD, a non-profit organization located in Missoula, Montana which has been actively constructing affordable housing projects with a focus on sustainability. Chris Allen, President of the homeWORD Board underscores the significance of this approach by stating that "Green building strategies are now being implemented to reverse the trend and create more energy-efficient, healthy buildings that are also desirable" (Robin).

The Community Outreach Center in Missoula receives numerous inquiries from individuals seeking residency at the Northside's Gold Dust apartments, homeWORD's new projects. However, only families with incomes equal to or

less than 50 percent of the area's median income are eligible to live there. Betsy Hands, a Community Outreach Coordinator, emphasizes the importance of creating visually appealing projects to demonstrate responsible use of public funds. It is also crucial for the housing to integrate seamlessly into the neighborhood and inspire residents' pride. Some residents have expressed how moving into our housing has greatly improved their lives. Similarly, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Highland Gardens, a green project, has made a significant positive impact on its community.

Located in urban Milwaukee, this public housing was constructed to accommodate culturally diverse low-income individuals. The residents comprise a wide age range, starting from 18 years old and above. A significant portion of the community consists of active seniors, seniors requiring some assistance, and disabled individuals (Hoban). The architects employed universal design principles for accessibility and incorporated sustainable design elements both inside and outside the building. The structure, consisting of 114 units, boasts an environmentally friendly green roof and a visually appealing rain garden.

According to Monhein, Green Roofs have been proven to be effective at insulating, controlling runoff, and reducing the urban heat island effect by lowering ambient temperatures. Yocca's research on a green roof installed on Chicago's City Hall showed a significant decrease in ambient temperature, reaching up to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when compared to the neighboring black tar roof.
Furthermore, the presence of an open courtyard and various recreational rooms such as a library, meditation room, exercise room, and craft room contribute to enhancing the quality of life for residents and promoting social interaction. Pamela Talbert, the Site Manager of Highland Gardens, notes that during springtime, children from the nearby school

participate in planting flowers, creating a valuable intergenerational experience.

The community also invites others to utilize the computer room and encourages them to visit. According to Hoban, Highland Gardens is the focal point of urban renewal in this neighborhood. The building harmonizes with the surrounding area and has stimulated the construction of new single-family homes. In Austin, Texas, a program initially led by Richard Morgan from the American Institute for Learning aimed to teach carpentry to low-income, at-risk youth (Baker). However, with input from the city's Environmental and Conservation Services Department, this program transformed into a sustainable building initiative that constructs environmentally-friendly homes for individuals with low incomes.

"It has positive impacts on the occupants, the builders and the area," according to Morgan (Baker). The program not only provides green housing to those in need but also involves the community’s at-risk youth. Morgan finds it particularly exciting as these youths get exposed to various trades in residential construction during their time in the program (Baker). Morgan believes that around 40 percent of the program's graduates will pursue careers in construction (Baker)."

Communities that have green low-income housing can experience economic growth. When residents spend less on utility bills, they have more money available to contribute to the economy. If there is no stigma attached to living in low-income housing, residents may have better chances of finding employment. Furthermore, certain developments on Wall Street might further enhance the economic advantages.

Mr. Rich, the founder of Sustainable Jobs Corp., has established a venture-capital firm in Durham, North Carolina. The firm's focus is on investing in environmental businesses that are situated in low-income areas across 24 states (Rich). According to Mr.

Rich, Sustainable Jobs Corp. has two bottom lines.

Kirkpatrick, president of Sustainable Jobs, states that the fund's managers aim to generate strong financial returns for investors while also selecting businesses committed to job creation in economically distressed communities (Rich). Kirkpatrick believes that the environmental sector is well-suited to fulfill this social goal as it can generate blue-collar manufacturing jobs in low-income neighborhoods (Rich). The interest of venture capitalists in creating jobs in low-income areas can lead to economic growth that benefits the entire community. Additionally, the presence of a significant number of low-income residents in a community can drive the establishment of environmentally friendly businesses. Green housing also brings education opportunities to communities, as it generates interest and offers various programs to educate people about sustainable materials and living.

According to Kuhtz, sustainable development (SD) can be effectively put into practice when it is no longer just an abstract concept but is instead integrated into everyday life as a tangible possibility. This is exactly what green buildings aim to achieve – they generate interest and demonstrate that sustainability is not only attainable and feasible, but also appealing from both an aesthetic and economic standpoint. The environmental benefits of green buildings in a community can vary depending on the principles of sustainability implemented in their design. One example of such benefits is seen in green roofs, which serve multiple purposes such as controlling storm water runoff, enhancing air quality, mitigating the urban heat island effect, improving water quality through acting as a natural filtration system, and providing recreational areas with improved views. Many other sustainable design projects incorporate similar measures through innovative landscape architecture.

On Chicago’s South side, the

affordable, sustainable housing project Wentworth Commons aimed to have a minimal impact on the city’s sewer and water systems. The project utilized native or climate-tolerant plantings arranged in bioswales and rain gardens to address stormwater management at the one-acre urban site. Along with a white roof and highly-reflective paving, the vegetation also played a part in reducing the urban heat island effect (King). Rain gardens function as designed gardens that capture and purify stormwater runoff, effectively decreasing the amount of pollutants that would typically flow into rivers and groundwater (Koehne). Additionally, they slow down stormwater runoff, thereby preventing soil erosion, which is especially crucial in urban areas with numerous impermeable surfaces. As stormwater moves over these surfaces, it accumulates various natural and man-made pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, oil, grease, heavy metals, bacteria from animal waste, and sediment (Koehne).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now considers non-point source pollution, such as runoff, as the primary cause of water quality issues in the United States (Koehne). Wetlands have historically acted as natural ecosystems that filter and decrease sediment, nutrients, and organic and chemical waste, thus enhancing water quality (King, 22). Additionally, wetlands have served as breeding habitats and food sources for various fish and wildlife species (King, 22). In the 17th century, experts estimated that the lower 48 states contained over 200 million acres of wetlands (King, 22).

Currently, we have less than half of the original number of wetlands due to development. These wetlands are partially protected by the Clean Water Act. However, approximately 300,000 acres of wetland are still lost each year due to development. To prevent further destruction of this valuable resource, the use of

rain gardens, bioswales, and green roofs can be implemented. These green infrastructure solutions can help capture, reduce, and slow down stormwater runoff while naturally filtering harmful pollutants. This approach not only aids in protecting the community's water supplies but also provides direct benefits to the community. Creating successful housing developments requires prioritizing the needs of the residents in the design process.

When a designer considers the residents and their needs, they can create a project that includes amenities such as sidewalks, affordable childcare, and parks. These additions can greatly improve the quality of life for those living in the housing development. Similarly, sustainable housing projects are most effective when they take into account the social and cultural needs of the future residents. By involving those who will be living in the project during the design process, these housing projects have a higher chance of long-term success. This approach can lead to fewer accidents in households, reduced risks for residents, and the creation of secure social spaces. It is widely recognized that these benefits are particularly significant for children's physical, mental, and social development (Understanding Issues).

The United Nations emphasizes the significance of "social and people-centered sustainable development" in their resolution. They also stress the need for integration at all levels of policy-making and operation, as well as the involvement of all sectors of society in development and implementation. The UN resolution states that successful sustainable development will require the participation of national legislative assemblies, civil society actors, youth, and indigenous people and their communities to complement government efforts. The Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) is actively promoting sustainable development in the U.S.

The main focus of the Mexico

border is on conserving water, maintaining cleanliness, and implementing sustainable programs for this valuable resource. The BECC (Border Environment Cooperation Commission) emphasizes that even well-intentioned and well-planned projects can fail if they do not align with the needs and desires of the people who will be managing them (Ellman). The BECC believes that involving community members and incorporating their suggestions from the early stages of project planning is crucial, as they ultimately assume responsibility and ownership of the projects (Ellman). Sergio Palleroni, a former professor at the University of Washington and current professor at the School of Architecture and Center for Sustainable Development at the University of Texas, Austin, advocates for a global approach to sustainable design that considers the cultural needs of future occupants and utilizes locally available building materials.

Sergio Palleroni, a founder of the BASIC Initiative, is highly praised for his work with impoverished communities across the globe. Through various educational programs, Palleroni collaborates with students in constructing homes, clinics, schools, and other essential structures for disadvantaged communities. Engineers for a Sustainable World acknowledges that these students utilize waste products to create energy-efficient buildings, employing techniques that can be easily replicated by local residents. Palleroni has received numerous awards in the last twenty years for his innovative approach to sustainable communities, which prioritizes the needs and resources of the people. Ultimately, the residents are content and satisfied residing in projects that cater to their cultural and social requirements.

Sustainable housing with integrated play and activity areas, as well as spaces for social interaction, have proven to be highly effective. Research indicates that housing projects lacking recreational spaces experience the highest crime rates during school

dismissal hours (Ireland, Thornberry, Loeber). Conventional housing projects often fail to offer secure and inviting play areas for children. Consequently, traditional projects have had a troubled past marked by episodes of violent crime.

Researchers have been unable to determine whether crimes are committed by trespassers or project residents in Ireland. However, providing safe areas in a green housing project can reduce crime rates and foster a sense of community among residents. When it comes to sustainable living, architects and occupants have different perspectives. Therefore, prioritizing the needs of occupants is crucial in designing truly sustainable homes for low-income people. For instance, government subsidized housing often accommodates a significant number of single mothers. Eugene Grigsby III emphasizes that these mothers prioritize affordable child care and health care over building designs that attract birds, highlighting the importance of addressing their specific needs.

According to Grigsby, a sustainable community is defined by focusing on life necessities rather than amenities. In order to effectively utilize sustainable design principles, it is crucial to prioritize projects that provide these necessities. Traditional housing projects are not an effective solution for affordable housing among low-income individuals due to their flawed design and implementation, resulting in high crime rates and premature mortality.

Harold P. Freeman, the chief of surgery at Harlem Hospital in New York, created controversy earlier this year (1990) when he published a report in the New England Journal of Medicine stating that a black man in Harlem has a lower life expectancy than a man in Bangladesh" (Rosenthal). The abundance of evidence clearly demonstrates that the needs of residents and the community are not being adequately addressed. Conventional projects often overlook these needs,

as they fail to provide children with healthy living environments, leading to lifelong and debilitating health problems (Rosenthal; Spielman). Additionally, they do not offer living spaces free from epidemics stemming from overcrowding and unsanitary conditions (Rosenthal; Spielman), safe recreational areas for families, seniors, and single adults to promote community integration and awareness, nor protection from daily instances of violent crime (Ireland, Thornberry, Loeber). Consequently, residents face daily fear of crime which has been proven to increase stress levels and hinder psychological and physiological health, particularly among children ("Overcrowded and noisy").

It is evident that government funds are being ineffectively utilized in constructing traditional housing projects instead of sustainably designed ones. Many health issues associated with traditional housing projects can be prevented and are unnecessary (Rosenthal). By implementing sustainably designed housing, the government can offer low-income individuals healthier, safer, and more efficient buildings, while also addressing the root causes of illness, disease, and high crime rates. Since a majority of those residing in government subsidized housing projects also depend on government assistance for healthcare, traditional projects end up costing the government additional funds for healthcare. The problem of low-income residents being compelled to live in high crime, overcrowded public housing projects, along with a struggling public health system (Rosenthal), can be alleviated through the application of sustainable design practices in low-income housing.

The saying goes that it is better to prevent a problem than to deal with the consequences later, and it seems reasonable and essential to address the issue by creating healthier and safer environments through green buildings. Thus, I advocate for all future public housing for low-income populations to adopt sustainable principles, which should prioritize both

environmentally friendly structures and residents' needs. This approach is not only the most cost-effective use of taxpayers' money but also the most compassionate way to assist impoverished communities in the United States.