Abstract
Understanding the complex factors affecting engagement related to available community resources related to housing access and supports in urban areas where housing is scarce, is crucial because of the varied hazards contributing to current high levels of housing demand and stress impacting large numbers. This project explored perceptions, barriers, and opportunities to foster community engagement around housing supports, with a special focus on issues in the Bronx in New York City. By prioritizing attention to a holistic, collaborative approach to needs assessment and implementation of a pilot project for change using the Constructive Action educational methodology, the article presents a case aimed to understand citizen and housing advocate perceptions about community attitudes and barriers to engagement related to the housing crises. Mixed-methods analysis found relatively low levels of engagement through a survey exploring citizen familiarity with housing resources or involved community organizations. Interviews with housing advocates found personal experience of housing trauma as a motivating factor for engagement with housing issues. Needs assessment was followed by both community dissemination of housing resource information and evaluation of response.
Recommended Citation
Ransom, Pamela Dr. and Keita, Aboubkar
(2026)
"Overcoming Barriers to Housing and Community Engagement in the Bronx,"
eJournal of Public Affairs: Vol. 14:
Iss.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/ejopa/vol14/iss2/4
