Welfare Reform on the Web (July 2005): Social Housing - Overseas

Administrative and financial responsibilities for sheltered housing for mentally ill and handicapped persons in Germany and its impact on housing supply

A. Bramesfeld and G. Holler

Health Policy, vol.72, 2005, p.359-366

Germany supports the integration of people with mental health problems and learning difficulties into the community. Sheltered accommodation for these groups takes the form of hostels or supported housing. Traditionally hostels are financed by the Länder and supported housing by communities and districts (Kreisfreie Städte and Landkreise). However some Länder have distributed these responsibilities differently and others offer subsidies to promote provision of supported housingh. Article explores the different modes of organising financial and administrative responsibilities for hostels and supported housing across the 16 Länder and investigates their impact on housing supply.

Atkinson Housing Co-operative: a leading edge conversion from public housing

J. Sousa and J. Quarter

Housing Studies, vol.20, 2005, p.423-439

The Atkinson Housing Co-operative in Toronto is a hybrid arrangement of a non-equity co-operative and a public housing community. The article discusses the unique features of the arrangement in terms of finances, property management and administration, governance, education and community programmes, and housing charges/rents.

The relationship between government assistance and housing outcomes among extremely low-income individuals: a qualitative inquiry in Los Angeles

G. Deverteuil

Housing Studies, vol.20, 2005, p.383-299

Paper seeks to illustrate three patterns in the relationship between housing outcomes and government assistance (housing subsidies and/or welfare payments) : 1) that the presence of housing subsidies promotes positive outcomes such as stability and independence; 2) that, in the absence of housing subsidies, the predictability and amount of welfare payments become critical in promoting positive housing outcomes; and 3) that housing outcomes are least positive for those lacking both housing subsidies and welfare payments. Results of a qualitative study of 25 homeless single women at a shelter in Los Angeles largely conformed to the expected patterns.