The Housing Situation of Low-Income Families in Milwaukee
AbstractThis article uses survey findings to explain the housing situation of low-income families living in Milwaukee. The survey was conducted in late 1998 using a random sample of families that were on welfare in August 1997, the month before Wisconsin implemented its welfare replacement program, Wisconsin Works (W–2). The survey was conducted to examine the conversion process from welfare to W–2. In the analysis presented here, the survey’s seven housing questions were used as a lens through which to view family circumstances. The results show that roughly a quarter of the respondents had worst-case housing needs. Although respondents with worst-case housing needs were similar to other respondents in many respects, they were less likely to live with another adult, less likely to work, and more likely to rely on government assistance. Respondents receiving housing assistance were more likely to receive government benefits and had lower total income and lower earnings from employment than those not receiving housing assistance, despite similar employment rates for the two groups. Respondents receiving housing assistance, however, reported a higher standard of living than other respondents. Working respondents had much higher incomes, with only slightly higher rents, and reported a higher standard of living than unemployed respondents. The Housing Situation of Low-Income Families in Milwaukee (*.pdf)
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