From Welfare to Work in New York City Public Housing

This Essay highlights the relationship between welfare and work in New York City's public housing. Part II discusses the composition of the Housing Authority's tenant body in past years as well as the political and social changes affecting the Housing Authority. Part III presents current Housing Authority ideas and programs that address moving tenants from welfare to work. Part IV outlines strategies employed by the Housing Authority to attract more working families, thereby improving the economic mix and social stability of the tenant population. Finally, this Essay concludes that while the Housing Authority cannot, and perhaps should not, address the complex social issues of poverty, it will continue to provide economic and other opportunities for its residents to function and prosper, while accomplishing its primary mission-to provide safe, affordable and decent housing for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers.