Shouldering The 'Burden'

Traditionally, the greatest number of low income residents in the metropolitan Washington area live in the District of Columbia. Social services being primarily a local issue, this burden isn't shared equally across the region. As DC has been converting formerly low income housing projects into mixed income projects using HOPE VI monies, the amount of housing available for low income households has dropped dramatically. Many people are moving to Prince George's County as a result. Price George's county is picking up some costs formerly shouldered by the District of Columbia. "Another problem, ironically, is Washington's urban renewal. The gentrification of the Shaw, Mount Pleasant and Columbia Heights neighborhoods has forced poor residents to look for more affordable housing elsewhere."

Thanks to Richard Layman