Housing for Poor People

[Lillian Burke]

Recently, I read "Nomadland" about people who are poor or living on minimal social security and trying to get by. Some of my relatives have problems paying for housing and they don't understand how to navigate the system. Below is a link to poverty in America.  It was made by a German TV station and, frankly, it's embarrassing. 

German TV on homeless in America

I have contact with many low income people. So many people don't save a penny for emergencies (including some who make a good income). A lot of people cause their own problems.  That said, there is someone in here who lives in a hotel because his girlfriend got evicted several years ago.  I KNOW a lot of people drink, use drugs, sit around and do nothing, but there are some people who just can't make it. What I'm looking for is not criticism of the people, but innovative ideas about how to provide housing for people without going broke.  

For instance, if someone had an eviction record, would it be possible to require them to put money in an account every month under the landlord's control to pay the rent and for other emergencies? This might run afoul of state laws on security deposits. How could we make sure that people have funds for emergencies and to pay the rent for a few months? 

What low cost housing options might be available for cities such as San Diego and LA (see the video)?  Would single room rentals with common kitchen areas work. What would be the design? (locked refrigerators and cabinets for food and free housing for a live-in manager?).  

Since many people do not want a slum nearby, what is the maximum size for a low income development?  In my experience, living all over the country, the communities that do best require some low income property to be available scattered throughout the community.  This allows people-to-people interactions and avoids many of the problems that occur when one area requires a lot of resources. 

Please respond. Even if you just point out a problem, try to suggest at least one solution.