Housing

A derelict house in Detroit.

A significant minority of African Americans and Hispanics live in run-down inner city areas. These areas are characterised by: -

• poor housing
• unemployment
• poverty
• dysfunctional families
• crime
• drugs

Wealthier people tend to live in the suburbs, located on the outskirts of cities. Characteristics include:

• less poverty
• less crime
• better-funded schools
• new buildings
• clean streets

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has introduced various initiatives to tackle housing inequalities, for example:

• rental assistance programmes
• providing direct housing and services to millions of families across the USA

Funding has also been provided to help:

• people with disabilities who are on low-income pay their rent
• homelesss veterans