xt7hqb9v4453 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7hqb9v4453/data/mets.xml  United States Housing Authority 1939 20 leaves; 27 cm. UK holds archival copy for ASERL Collaborative Federal Depository Library Program libraries and the Federal Information Preservation Network. Call Number bulletins English Washington, DC: U.S. Govt. Print. Off. Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Works Progress Administration Housing Publications Landlord and tenant -- United States Public housing -- United States -- Management Public housing -- United States Initial Steps in Tenant Selection/United States Housing Authority May 1, 1939 text Initial Steps in Tenant Selection/United States Housing Authority May 1, 1939 1939 2019 true xt7hqb9v4453 section xt7hqb9v4453 i J: 4:? 4 1'
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3 “”35 515557” 1' UNITED STATES HOUSING AUTHORITY
BULLETIN NO. 22 ON POLICY AND PROCEDURE
INITiég STEPS lg TENANT SELECTION
As the planning and construction of lowerent pmblic housing projé _

ects proceeds under the program aided by the USHA, local housing author~
ities are directing their attention to the selection of the families
who are to occupy_the new dwellings. More and more inquiries are being
receiVed concerning the formulation of tenant selection policies. selec~
tion of personnel, preparation of application forms and other problems.

1 To answer these many and varied requests. this bulletin outlines the
basic principles and steps in developing sound and workable local plans
for conducting initial tenant selection. Emphasis has been placed on

- those factors requiring Special attention before formal applications for
admission can be taken or the eligibility of prospective tenants estab-
lished. Forthcoming releases will deal with special aspects of this work.

The services of’a field representatiVe from the Management Review
Division of the USHA, trained and eXperienced in tenant selection, are
always available to advise and assist the local housing authority. It
is believed that the services of such a representative will be most help—
ful at two distinct stages: first, when laying the groundwork for local

V ‘ tenant selection policies, and again in the selection and training of
personnel and in setting up specific procedures and office practices.

The tenant selection policies and plans adopted by the local hous—.
ing authority should be incorporated in the management program to be sub—
mitted to the USHA. The form and time of submission of this entire pro-
gram will be covered in a separate release. ,

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; W LIBRAWES

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61462 H
INITIAL STEPS £3 TENANT SELECTION
Table of Contents
Page
Families to be Rehoused ....,,,,,,.....,...,.,,,,,,,,,, l
NeceSSi-ty Of an Early Start.0-.--.-,-.'9.--.-.-.'!.-.-9.-.-.-9.-.-.-9! 1
PlaCing Responsibility Clan...I.u..gp.!99999§l9!0§9999; 2
FuflCtiOflS Of an AdViSOTy Committee peg-uggppgggoggpgpp; 2
Detemining the Rentaliviarket99-9."p----,o.--ee-.-.-s-,-eg. 3
> FiXi—ng Of Rents IOOIIUOIU‘OUOIIIIIIOGCOIQIOIIIJIIIIO... 3
Establishing Standards of Eligibility and " '
Conditions of occupancy cunt-ooo-oloolcyyg-ggpoog-ggg 4:
Maximum Income Limité‘fbr'idmissién' .Z.L.;i.j.i.'.;j.i.f..., 4
LOYVGI‘ Income Limits so...no.overuse-Igogoc-ogggggg 5
Occupancy Standards for.Admission. uneven-9!!!! 8
Emily IAake‘up .I...‘ICOIII’"f!”’.!f._fi.’!fff” 8
‘ Family Size .IIOCIDIDIQU'IOIO‘COCIIOIIOIQOOUCIDOQ 9
NIGthOds of Reaching Prospective Tenants opcgggpyggggggg 12
Filing Formal Applications for Admission ,,,..,,,,,,,,, 14
Preparation for Active Tenant Selection .,,,,,,,..,..,, 14
‘ Selection and TrainingoflPersonnel.gym-599$:- 15
’ Procedures, Forms. Reference Material, etc, ,,,,,, ‘ 15
DiSplay Units OIIIOIOOCOIOIIOIIIIIIOQIIIIQOOIIOIOO 16
Setting up the Tenant Selection Office ........... 17
' Appendix
Active Tenant Selection Troccdure- I
V organization Cllart .UII....OIC.ICUOI...I.IIUCIOIIIOI’ 18
Definition of Terms Used in the United States
Housing Act Of'1937 .‘UI.I.'...II.IIII.II‘U.IIIOIIOI. 19
Net Income .‘OCII'99'CIQIIIIOOOQIIQCI!.'IIQOOOI’!!, 19
Net Income at the Time of Admission .........q.... 20
Iii-nor Dependent OnoOoao-uasou-unounuoooac-oa-ooooo 20

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61462 H
FAMILIES 29 a; BEHGUSEQ
The program is Specifically designed to provide decent housing for
families in the lowest income brackets now forced to live under slum
conditions. Such families may include a proportion of those on relief
vas well as those whose wage earners are engaged in either private or
public employment. Thus, to comply with the provisions of the United
States Housing Act, tenant selection must insure the acceptance of only
families in the lowest income group who are living under definitely sub~
standard housing conditions. It must also insure that the families ad—
mitted have the means to pay the project rents.
. ingress... 9;: a: nmL I LEM-RT.

. An early-start in tenant selection activities is essential to in;
sure satisfactory cccupancy of a low—rent public housing project. In
slum clearance developments, it is highly desirable to formulate certain
tentative olicies for admission to new projects even before removal of

t P J I 0
site occupants. In any event adequate attention should be given to the
preliminary phases of tenant selection soon after the construction of a
project gets under way. This enables the actual selection of families
to begin as much as four to six months before the first portion of the
Project is ready for occupancy. The time necessary will, of course, vary
with the size of the project. the previous experience-of the local hone"
ing authority and other local conditions.
A well planned start in tenant selection is essential to accomplish
these prime objectives:
(a) Careful and thorough tenant selection at a minimum of echnse.
(b) Completion of tenant selection by the time each part of the
project is ready for occupancy, thus preventing loss of in-
come through delay in occupancy. ‘
(C) Development of a clear understanding of.the objectiVes of the
public houSing program in the community.

To achieve these ends, the following fundamental steps must be'
taken by the local housing authority prior to actual tenant selection:
(a) Responsibility for tenant selection activities must be

, definitely placed.
(b) The rental market must be determined in order to confine
selection to families in the lowest income group.

 61462 H

(c) Rents must be definitely fixed.

(d) Local standards of admission and conditions of occupancy which
Comply with the provisions of the United States Housing Act
must be established.

‘ _ (e) Suitable methods must be devised for reaching eligible appli~
cants.

(f) Adequate preparation must be made for the early filing of
formal application for admission.

(g) Adequate preparation must be made for setting up the tenant
selection office, including the_selection and training of
personnel; preparation of requisite procedures. instructions,
forms, reference material, etc., required in this connection;
establishing contacts with various local agencies. etc.

Tenant selection cannot get under way until these preliminary steps

' have been carcfnlly planned and sucCessfully completed. An early start
makes pessible the establishment of a pool of eligible applicants from
which those families in the lowest income group can be chosen. By this.
means, first consideration for acceptance in a low—rent housing project‘
is on the basis of need rather than according to the order of filing ap—
plication. '

PLACING RESPONSIBILITI

Definite responsibility for initiating this part of the program
should be placed with one'professionally qualified person_several months
before commencing the actual selection of families. If tenant selection
activities for a number of projects are to be centralized. this would .
be a staff member of the local housing authority responsible to the per#

. son in charge of all phases of management. Otherwise these duties should
be delegated to the project housing manager at a very early stage and
later assigned to the member of his immediate staff charged with the
supervision of tenant selection. In the case of slum clearance projects
it is highly desirable that the person directly responsible for tenant
selection should be identified with or in close touch with relocation
activities. '
FUNCTIONS OE an ADVISORY COMMITTEE

It is also desirable for the local housing authority to appoint a
special advisory committee to assist in the formulation of sound policies
and procedures for tenant selection. In fact, Where slum clearance
projects are involved. there are many adVantages in appointing this

2

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committee before undertaking the‘relocation of site occupants. Such a
committee may be comprised of one or two members of the local housing
authority and the best professional Workers available in the community
representing local agencies primarily concerned.with problems of low;
inceme families from various angles. If wisely chesen this committee
can eXert a farureaching influence in interpreting the housing program
to the community as a whole and.later on. the same committee or a smaller
subcommittee, may constitute a board to review and to approve admissions
to the project in accordance with the-policies established.
” QEEEBMINING g5; REETAL MARKEQ

An analysis of reliable local data on family sizes, incomes. rents
paid, occupations. etc., of families living in areas of substandard
housing is indispensable to sound plans for tenant selection. First. it
will serVe as a guide in fixing the project rents "within the financial.

. reach of families of low income." It will also provide a factual basis
for establishing the potential pool of prospective tenants for the projé
ect at the lowest feasible income level. In many cities, such informa—
tion will be available from surveys now under way or being planned in
connection with real property inventories to supplement data submitted .
earlier to the USHA. ' . ,

. sin: e: Pens;

. While this bulletin is not intended as a guide in establishing
rents. it should be emphasized that it is imperative“to set management
policies and maintenance standards which will result in the_lowest feasi-
ble operating budgets and rents. No greater challenge to the judgment

' and ingenuity_of every local authority.and its staff arises. Every pos4
sible economy must be found and assured by adoption of a carefully cone
sidered management program.

Early determination of the complete management program and early
approval of final operating budgets and rents well within the reach of
families in the lowest income group é these are absolute prerequisites
to plans for tenant selection. ‘The rents to be paid for dwellings in
any project must be fixed definitely before other activities preliminary
to tenant selection can proceed. Most important among these preliminary
steps are the establishment and approval by resolution of the local any
thority of the standards of eligibility for admission followed by the
release of suitable publicity. .

In order to rehouse large families in the lowest income group, difé
ferences in rent charges between dwelling units of different size should
be as small as appear to be practicable. This marked departure from

5

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61462 H
usual commercial practice, namely small differentials for each additional
bedroom, is essential in rehousing families in the lowest income group.
It is consistent with the basic objectives of a public housing program
and recognizes the fact that large families generally have no higher
incomes than small families.

The question of differentials in rentals for dwelling units of the
same size, whether they are in the same project or in different proj—
ects in the same locality, and whether such differentials, if any, should
be invariably based on concrete differences in quality or facilities
provided, is perhaps the main question of rent policy on which the USHA
is not yet prepared to make recommendations.

ESTABLISHIEG STANDARDS OF ELIGIBILITY AND CONDITIONS OF OCCURKEQX

Criteria governing eligibility for admission must first of all in—
sure compliance with the legal provisions of the United States Housing
Act and the local law. To carry out the spirit as well as the letter
of the law certain basic criteria with respect to occupancy standards
and other factors are also essential. in addition, specific policies
pertaining to a number of local considerations must be set up. Local
policies should obviate possibilities of favoritism or partiality in
tenant selection. Until all criteria are formulated and approved, formal
applications cannot be taken, nor inquiries concerning standards of ad—
mission satisfactorily answered.

In the case of slum clearance projects, it is distinctly advanta—
geous to formulate tentative, if not final, policies for admission even
before Site occupants are relocated. Eot only is this hnportant in order
to know how many of the site occupants may be eligible for admission to
the new project, but it may have a direct bearing on immediate relocation
plans for some families.

Maximum Income Limits For Admission
Statutory maximum income limits for admission are established by
the United States Housing Act as follows:*
"The dwelling in low—rent housin as defined in the Act
J 3
shall be available solely for families whose net income
at the time of admission does not exceed five times the
* Some local laws set the maximum income limits at five times the rent,
regardless of family size. If the maximum income limits set by local
law are below the statutory maximum limits set by the United States
Housing Act, in the case of families with 5 or more minor dependents,
the local law is controlling on the local housing authority.
4

 ‘ )

rental (including the value or cost to them of heat, light,

water, and cooking fuel) of the dwellings to be furnished

such families, except that in the case of families with

three or more minor dependents, such ratio shall not exceed

six to one.” **

The USHA, for the sake of convenience, uses the term "statutory rental
value" to mean ”the rental (including the value or cost to them of heat,
light, water. and cooking fuel) of the dwellings to be furnished such
families”.

Thus the upper income limits established by the Act will vary ac—
cording to the statutory rental value and consequently according to the
rents fixed for dwelling units of different size. The rent differentials,
if any, established for units of the same size will also affect these
limits.

Every effort should be made to confine selection to an income group
below the statutory maximum income limits. To facilitate reaching such
an income group "local maximum limits for admission” lower than the
statutory limits should generally be adopted. As has been previously
pointed out an analysis of reliable local survey data on family sizes.
incomes, rents paid, occupations, etc. of families living in areas of
substandard housing is indispensable in establishing such limits.

Lacking such surveys, these maximum limits may be based upen factual
information available locally on family incomes or wage levels in repre—
sentative occupations in which wage earners of low income are engaged.

If there are insufficient data upon which to base such local maxi—
mum limits, the local authority may tentatively reach a decision not to
admit any family whose income exceeds an arbitrary figure below the
statutory limit until such time as sufficient applications have been re—
ceived and analyzed to arrive at a satisfactory basis for establishing
"local maximum limits for admission".

Regardless of the local maximum limits established, in selecting
tenants from a pool of eligible applicant families, preference should
always be given to those having the lowest annual net incomes.
lower Income Limits

No satisfactory scale of minimum income limits can be established
as an arbitrary basis for determining the adequacy of family income for
admission to a low—rent housing project. Therefore each application
must be carefully considered on an individual basis.

** For an interpretation of the terms "net income”, ”net income at the
time of admission," and “minor dependents”, see Appendix.
5

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61462 E

[It should be recognized that in rehousing families of veny low in—
come, the proportion of income paid for rent may frequently exceed ac—
cepted family budget standards at a so~called “health and decency" level
of living. However, there appears to be no justification for denying
the benefits of good housing to such families merely because there
limited incomes preclude an adequate level of living for other necessi—
ties.

Inasmuch as low income families generally lack sufficient funds to
maintain an adequate scale of living for food, clothing and other essen~
tials as well as insufficient means to obtain decent housing, the amount
paid for ”rental plus related costs” should not be increased but prefer~
ably decreased as a result of rehousing. NevertheleSs local authorities
may find it necessary in some instances to admit families whose ”rental
plus related costs” is somewhat increased by moving into the project.
Such increases should be permitted only when the incomes of such families '
are equal to or greater than the average income of other eligible ap—
plicant families of the same size.

”Rental plus related costs” means the value or cost to the family
of rental, heat, light, water, cooking fuel, refrigeration, and tranS~
portation. Careful consideration must be given to avoid increases in
the total of such expenses, including transportation. For instance, if
transportation costs will be materially decreased, other costs may be
somewhat increased without reducing the family scale of living. ,

Therefore, in addition to fulfilling other standards of eligibility,
a careful study of the economic circumstances of each family is necessany
to establish the fact that decent housing is not provided at the sacrie
fice of other essentials. Such a study must take into account also the
steadiness of family income, the past rent~paying record of the family:
the extent and type of indebtedness, if any, as well as the family's
record in discharging financial obligations. The cost of furnishing a
home, even with bare necessities, must also be taken into account in the
case of families living in furnished rooms or in other doubled~up arrange~
ments. The economic factors must be studied with particular thoroughness
when families are found to be paying unduly excessive proportions of their
limited incomes for rent. As a safeguard in this connection local arr
thorities may find it advisable to establish an arbitrary bottom income
limit below which an application for a dwelling unit will not even be
accepted.

Need for Housing

Criteria by means of which physical need for housing can be deter~
mined must be based on local conditions. This need is best measured by
the use of a carefully developed scoring system. Such a system sets up

6

 . 61462 H
the factors to be considered in determining the degree of substandard
housing and assigns a numerical value to each of these factors. It
should be so devised as to measure accurately and objectively the extent
of housing need. Thus, if one major factor or a sufficient combination
of minor factors exists to TOVQal that housing conditions are unsafe,
insanitary, overcrowded or detrimental to the morals of the occupants,
the applicant_family is eligible for admission. ‘

Moreover, in tenant selection, preference should be given to families
living under substandard housing conditions most injurious to health and
safety as shown by the scoring system. By this means tenant selection
for newly constructed projects facilitates the effective closing, or the
compulsory repair of unsafe or insanitary dwellings in the locality.

In defining substandard housing and in develOping a local housing
score, consideration should be given to the factors outlined below.

If present dwelling of the family is in need of major
repairs or extensive minor repairs to overcome hazards
to person, health or welléheing.
If the dwelling unit lacks one or more of the following:
Running water
Inside private toilet
Inside private bath or shower ‘
Adequate and safe heating facilities
Adequate private cooking facilities,
including sink
Natural light and adequate ventilation
Adequate and safe artificial lighting
facilities
If space and room arrangements are detrimental to
family privacy, health and morals.
-If fire hazards exist.
If the family is living under overcrowded conditions.
(A dwelling shall be considered overcrowded when it
does not conform to the maximum occupancy standards
established for the project. See recommendations
for maximum occupancy limits).
If the family is living under "doubledéup" housing.-
conditions. (Two or more families sharing a dwellé
ing primarily designed for single family occupancy).
7

 61462 H
. If the_family dwelling unit is located in a neighborhood
where 4
Many buildings are abandoned or in need of major
repairs, or demolition. . _ ,’
Industrial_nuisances obtain; i.e., excessive noise,
smoke, noxious odors, etc., from factories, restau~
rants, etc.
Congested streets (pushcarts, street markets, other
traffic dangers, etc.) and dumps are found.
Demoralizing social influences exist; i.e., gambling
’ establishments, hangouts, or other center of vice
and crime; or where there is a high incidence of
juvenile delinquency. .
Suitable play space for children is lacking.
If violations of any local health and sanitary regulaé
tions, tenement and housing laws, etc., not specified
above exist.

Paying too much for rent for decent accommodathnnshas sometimes been
considered a factor equivalent to living under substandard housing condi~
tions. While the problem this presents to many families of low income
is fully recognized, the present program does not contemplate rehousing
such families.

Occupancy §tandards for Admission

Family makeup '

Admission shall be confined exclusively to a natural family

or to a cohesive family group which may include:

(a) Dependent relatives or other dependents clearly estab—
lished as an inherent part of the family group. .

_ (b) Working adults known to have regularly lived as an in;
herent part of the family group, whose earnings_are an
integral part of the family income and whose resources
are available for use in meeting family expense.

A natural or a cohesvie family group may not be comprised of
or include:
(a) Two distinct family groups.

8

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61462 HT‘
(b) Lodgers or transient paying guests.
(0) A synthetic household composed of unrelated working adults.
' (d) A person living alone.
Family Size
To auoid overcrowding and at the same time to extend the . ‘
benefits of lowerent housing to the greatest number of persons,
it will be necessary to establish occupancy limits for admis—
sion to each size dwelling unit.
The number of persons to occupy any unit should normally'be_
based upon the assumption that each full bedroom will be oc~ ,
' cupied by two persons, that each small bedroom will be occupied
by one person, and that the living room will not be used for
sleeping. A small bedroom is one which is designed to accommo»
date only one person.

' To facilitate the taking of applications and the-selection of _
tenants, it is suggested that a table similar to the following:
be set up as a guide. modified according to the types of units-
in the particular project:

Type of Maximum Minimum
Unit Limits Limits
LivingLBedroom 2 Persons 2 Persons
1 Bedroom — l Full 2 " 2 "
2 Bedrooms — l Full 1 Small' 5 " 2 " 4
~ 2 Full 4 " 3 "
3 Bedrooms — l Full 2 Small 4 " 4 "
~ 2 Full 1 Small 5 " 4 "
- ~ 3 Full 6 " 5 "
4 Bedroom + 2 Full 8 Small 6 ” 5 "
~13Rfll lSmfll 7 " 6 "
9 4 Full 8 " 7 "
Significance need not always be attached to the family’s state;
ment at the time of filing application concerning the size of .
the dwelling unit desired. Frequently guidance is-necessary ,
to point out to the family its real needs. In aSSigning dwell;
ing units, maximum occupancy (without the use of the_livimg
‘ room for sleeping) should be the objective except where this is
precluded by age, sex or special needs. For example, a family
comprised of parents, a son 13 and a daughter 11 will require
three bedrooms; whereas with two children of the same sex. two
full bedrooms would be adequate.
9

 61462 H
As indicated above. regular use of the living room for sleep—
ing purposes is not recommended. It presents distinctly uné
desirable features and interferes with the use of this room
for normal family group life. This'is an especially important
consideration in families with adolescent or older children
or in largo_family due to the greater and more varied demands
made upon living room space.
Nevertheless it may be necessary in certain cases to admit
families who plan to use the living room for sleeping for not
more than one person. However, in no event should this be
permitted where the living room is designed as a combination
living room and kitchen, or where it is necessary to pass
through it to reach the bathroom or an exterior entrance. Under
no circumstances can the living room be considered satisfactory
for sleeping pmrposes for a child. an elderly person or someone
in poor health. It would therefore seem advisable to restrict
’ its use for sleeping to an occasional overnight guest or for
use by a member of the family in case of illness.
Experience in PWA Housing Division projects has shown that it is
' inadvisable to omit consideration of children less than two years of age
in establishing occupancy limits. or to count two children under two
years of age as one person. Failure to count these children in estimat~
ing family size soon_leads to problems of overcrowding, making it neces~
sary for the family to move within a short time if occupancy standards.
are to be maintained. Observation has also shown that eVen though the
baby’s crib may be kept in the parents' bedroom for a temporary period.
space requirements for special equipmentvfor a very young child are
greater than such requirements for older children. ‘
Local Criterie.§p£ Admissign ‘
Each local housing authority will find it necessary to establish
certain local policies prior to tenant selection. Experience has shown
' that failure to establish such policies before tenant selection is
initiated may result in considerable confusion and inconsistency both in
public relations and in dealing with individual applications. For
example, clearly defined local policies regarding preferential considera~
tion for individual families of the following types should be established
in advance! .
(a) Former site occupants.‘
(b) Families with children.
(c) Proximity of family to source of employment and/or school.
10

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61462 n’

The program definitely favors acceptance of families in each of these
groups if found to qualify to all other standards of admission. If the .
project has been designed with dwelling units suited to accommodate ex— .
ceptionally large families this factor should also be taken into account.

Decisions for or against factors such as the following must also be
determined at the time of establishing local policies; .

(a) Requirements for citizenship or first papers, if any. _

(b) Requirements, if any, as to length of residence in the ,

. looality or under substandard housing conditions.
(c) Limitations, if any, to be placed on the acceptance of .
families with savings and other assets and the nature
of such limitations.

It is highly desirable to keep the number of such restrictive pol—
icies to a minimum and their ultimate effect of these policies should be‘
carefully weighed before final decisions are reached. For example, the
resources available in a small savings account may provide the sole means
of furnishing the new home to the applicant now occupying furnished .
quarters. Further, inquiry into the cause for a short period of residence
at the address given at the time of filing application may reveal a sound
reason for moving: yet setting an arbitrary policy with respect to length
of residence at a given address would automatically exclude such families
as ineligible. '

In addition to the foregoing, certain factors pertaining to the
nature of the tenant group as a whole must be fully considered and tenta—
tive policies established concerning the following points:

(a) In localities where rent allowances for families on pensions

and those on direct or work relief make it possible to ace
cept applications from such families, a policy as to the
approximate number to be admitted should be established in
advance. It must be borne in mind that local authorities '
will not want to rehouse too high a proportion of relief
tenants because the program is not intended for emergency
relief, but is primarily a permanent program to meet the .
needs of lowéincome families whose wage earners are engaged

in private industry and public employment.

(b) In certain communities it may be necessary to establish a
policy as to the proportion of different occupational ,
groups to be rehoused in a project. This needs to be coné
Sidered only if sources of employment from Which applica~
tions are drawn are seasonal or extremely fluctuating in

‘ ll _

 61468 H
character. In these circumstances this is an important
consideration to insure stability of the tenant group and
of the project income by minimizing problems of turnover
and arrears. It may also be found inadvisable to accept
a large number of families engaged by a single employer.

(0) In projects deSigned to rehouse different racial or

nationality groups, the ratio of each to be admitted
should be predicated upon existing local conditions and

' needs. Where special or mixed population groups are to
be tenants of a project, the full cooperation of representar
tiVes of agencies fwniliar with the problems of such
groups should be enlisted in establishing tenant selection
policies.

Obviously, policies with respect to factors such as the above are
SUbject to review and revision contingent upon facts which may emerge
in the actual process of tenant selection. . .

_ METHODS 93 REACHING PROSPECTIVE TENANTS

The degree of success achieved in reaching eligible applicants will

depend largely upon the efforts made and the means employed to obtain .
. applications from families in the lowest income brackets. It should be

borne in mind that the first families to file applications are not neces—
sarily those mest likely to qualify for admission. .Therefore, every
effort should be made to reach eligible families who may be slow to ‘
recognize their opportunities by reason of timidity, lack of information
or illiteracy. This task will be considerably easier if a solid ground;
work of education and information has been built up in the course of 7
develOping the project, with organizations and individuals as widely
representative as possible of the prospective tenants, Such c00peraé

' tion is virtually indispensable in slum clearance projects or where a
special racial or nationality group is to be rehoused. ,

As soon as applications can be accepted contacts must be estab4
lished with representatiVes of agencies who are in constant touch with,
families living in slum areas. Among these are social agencies such as
clinic and health centers, family service and child care agencies, com; ‘
munity centers and others; also churches and schools. In addition, it
may be desirable to contact labor unions. employers and fraternal organi—
zations. Informal talks to various groups of potential applicants proé

. vide an excellent means of arousing interest in the new project. .

The buildéup of a close working relationship with the local press.
including foreign language newspapers, serves the twoéfold purpose of .
creating an informed and sympathetic viewpoint toward pmblic housing.
and providing a means for the dissemination of specific information coné

. cerning the local project. Radio talks are another medium for reaching
prospective tenants.
13 .

 61462 "H"

in addition to newspaper releases. simple and attractive printed
folders or mimeographed sheets clearly stating the project rents and
eligibility requirements in terms that will be readily understood, are
invaluable in stinmlating applications. As soon as rents are fired and
policies of admission established such material should be prepared in
large enough quantities to permit widespread distribution through the
proper channels.

Past experience has shown that unfavorable attitudes to a local proj—
set, or to the public housing movement in general. have