The concentration of worst case housing needs among the poorest families continues to rise. Between 1991 and 1997, worst case housing needs became increasingly concentrated among households with extremely low incomes. By 1997, over three-fourths of those with worst case needs had incomes below 30 percent of area median. Worst case housing needs increased dramatically in minority households during the 1990s. Increases were particularly high for Hispanic households and working minority families with children, whereas needs among non-Hispanic whites were stable.
Poor families living in the suburbs most frequently face worst case needs.
Over one-third of worst case households live in the suburbs. A wide range of market forces and other factors have contributed to the decline in affordable housing. Fortunately, that has changed. This year, the President's FY 2001 budget includes funds for an additional 120,000 incremental vouchers, a critical next step toward reducing worst case needs. Other elements of the Administration's FY 2001 budget will play an important part in addressing the needs highlighted in this report.