| Single parent women-led households are disproportionately represented as tenants in subsidized family housing. Among the factors that contribute to this over representation are sole responsibility for child care; limited economic resources and employment opportunities; physically and economically absent fathers, systemic discrimination and culturally sanctioned violence. The housing needs of single parent women are distinct from the needs of other housing consumers as a result of these social, cultural and economic experiences.;Critics charge that social housing does not consciously respond to the needs of single parent women as subsidized housing consumers. Household profiles are based upon generic definitions of consumers and as a result, the effectiveness of housing programs is limited. Social housing must be reconceptualized if it is to effectively and respectfully address the distinct housing needs of single parent women-led households.;Using as an example, the Non-Profit Housing Program (1986-93), household surveys and interviews are used to explore the experiences of single parent women living in family social housing communities. This research documents their experiences as family social housing consumers and provides recommendations for the development of social housing that respond more effectively to their needs. |
