History of Government Housing in the United States

Public housing in the US is the mandate of the local, state and federal agencies and they are expected to provide assistance for the low income households. The price of government housing is priced well below the current market rates to allow people live in more convenient locations instead of shunning away the cities in search of lower rents.

Government involvement in public housing

The history of government housing in the United States can be traced back to the late 19^th and early 20^th century when the government got involved in the housing for the poor, mainly through building code enforcement. With the involvement of the government, it became a requirement for every new building to meet specific standards meant to allow for decent livability. Some landlords were also forced to make the necessary modifications on existing houses.

Formation of the National Housing Association

In 1910, the National Housing Association was created with the main aim of improving the housing conditions in urban and suburban areas by enacting better regulations and increasing awareness. Over time, the focus of the National Housing Association began to change and it began to emphasize more on proper building standards for community development on a larger scale. The association was later dissolved in 1936.

Housing Division at Public Works Administration

After the dissolution of the National Housing Association, federally funded housing started in the United States following the passage of the National Industrial Revolution Act and it was directed by the Public Works Administration. The Housing Division was later on created with the main mandate of directing the construction of public housing. This was seen as a decisive step that will help in serving as a precedent in the establishment of permanent public housing program in the United States.

Housing Acts 1937 – 1990s

With more challenges in the public housing sectors, various acts were enacted to streamline the public housing system and make it in tandem with the current needs of the industry and also address some of the inherent challenges which faced the industry. The acts accelerated the construction of houses, leading to more Americans having affordable but quality units. For instance, in 1939 alone after the enactment of the Housing Act of 1937, 50,000 unites were constructed across the country and this was double the number that was built the PWA Housing Division was in charge of the public housing.

Through the various acts, the government housing landscape in the United States has evolved greatly. Presently, there are even partnerships between the government and the private sector to continue with the provision of the quality and affordable housing solutions to the citizens.