The Relocation of the Columbia Villa Community: Views from Residents

The federal program, Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE VI), is intended to revitalize the worst public housing developments in the nation. It assumes that these places contribute little, if anything, positive to the lives of residents. Surveys of 173 residents who were relocated from Portland's defense era housing, the 462-unit Columbia Villa, reveal that well-designed housing that is properly managed and safe provides the essential foundation on which families cope with the vicissitudes of poverty. Contrary to public opinion, Columbia Villa was a strong, close-knit, safe community for families, the disabled, and the elderly.