The Effect of Community Participation on Affordable Housing: A Study of a Housing Program in a Borough of New York City

Community participation involves citizens in planning development programs and is an effective approach to community development. Little is known, however, about the extent to which community participation is effective in planning affordable housing programs. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to determine the effectiveness of community participation in planning housing programs by looking at a particular program in the United States. Oakley’s interpretation of community participation as empowerment, sustainability, efficiency, and ownership provided the framework for this study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with affordable housing beneficiaries and a review of housing policies of the community development corporation that was the focus of this study. The interview data were analyzed through node coding to identify major themes. Eight themes were identified including allowing community members to become partners and motivating community initiatives to promote community participation in affordable housing. Also, it was identified that factors such as lack of time and community leadership skills inhibit the process. These results suggest that when community members are empowered with adequate and accurate skills and information, they are more likely to make informed choices and decisions. The study promotes positive social change by providing recommendations for community development corporations to strengthen the effectiveness of community participation through adopting the concept of community participation as a strategic approach or plan for affordable housing programs, and by designing and implementing sustainable community education and outreach programs.