How Are HOPE VI Families Faring? Health

One goal of the HOPE VI program is to address the social and economic needs of the original residents, and this brief urges serious consideration of their health problems. Original residents from public housing developments being revitalized as part of the HOPE VI program have high rates of many chronic health problems, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and depression. Their rates are significantly higher than those among other poor and minority subgroups nationally. We discuss policy implications that relate to HOPE VI relocation and redevelopment, and suggest realistic expectations for economic improvement among these adults.