Government-Built Homes for Working-Class Americans: A Forgotten Era of Affordable Housing
In response to World War I, the U.S. government created the United States Housing Corporation, which, between 1918 and 1920, built over 80 planned communities across the nation to house nearly 100,000 workers. These developments, incorporating principles of the Garden City movement, prioritized not just shelter but also community design, including parks, schools, and shops, and emphasized single-family homes, many of which were eventually sold to residents. The Corporation also established national planning and design standards, influencing subsequent housing projects and urban planning practices. Despite its short lifespan, the initiative’s impact on American housing and urban development remains visible today.
John Q. Hosedrinker