Article Abstract:
Formal public housing programs in the US date back to the passage of the Housing Act of 1937, but the idea for public housing can be traced back even further to social activists at the turn of the century who attempted to combat the growth of slums in the nation's urban areas. The Federal government became involved in public housing during the Depression when it became obvious that neither private philanthropists nor local governments had the means to meet the demand for decent housing. Subsequent Housing Acts passed in 1949, 1956 and 1959 built on the original act by authorizing construction of more public housing units. Laws passed in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s have aided public housing by creating rehabilitation grants, establishing community development programs, and setting standards for condominium conversions.
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Article Abstract:
The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials has selected US Representative Henry B. Gonzalez (D-Texas) as the recipient of the M. Justin Herman award for advancing the cause of decent living conditions for all Americans. Gonzalez has been the Chairman of the House Housing and Community Development Subcommittee since 1981. In his 27 years as a representative he has been involved in developing the 1964 Housing Act, Urban Development Action Grants, Community Development Block Grants, the Housing and Urban Recovery Act, and the 1987 Housing and Community Development Act.
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Article Abstract:
Many changes have occurred since the 1949 Housing Renewal Act was passed in 1949, but the federal programs that were started then are still being tested. At the same time, they are providing failures and successes. In 1989, there is a critical lack of political support for city revitalization and lower income housing. Additionally, it is important to support expanded subsidized housing for the elderly. Also, it is increasingly necessary to consider implementing strong inspection mechanisms for Housing and Urban Development-sponsored projects.
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