At the problem identification stage, the Housing Task Force seeks to describe community concerns and possible solutions, select key addressable issues, and develop a preliminary mission statement. The Step 2 problem definition task is conducted systematically, but in a less detailed, analytical fashion than the housing needs assessment that follows in Step 4. This broad-brush approach allows the scope of Step 4 to be narrower, more focused, and more manageable. 

Qualitative and Quantitative Descriptions 

In addition to items shown earlier in Figure 3, FIGURE 5 outlines additional questions that may help the Task Force to identify and define problem(s). Brainstorming techniques can provide information on current and expected outcomes, plus the impact and cost of possible housing solutions. The "SWOT" discussion method used in strategic planning also can be used to identify a community's Strengths, Weaknesses, investment Opportunities, and competitive Threats relative to housing issues. 

Problem identification includes the use of "expert judgement" analyses in which key informants, clients, and citizens are interviewed. Small focus groups involving community members, housing professionals, and service providers can provide qualitative data about housing problems and potential solutions. Larger, citizen-directed "Housing Futures" meetings are another way to address issues objectively. Positive workshop titles can help avoid participation only by those with negative outlooks. To prepare for a focus group or public forum, take into account--in advance--the individual perspectives of the various groups listed earlier (Figure 4). 

To supplement the qualitative data, secondary research (i.e., published materials) and quantitative housing data are needed. In addition to Census data, sources of quantitative data and historical trends include the housing element of the local comprehensive plan, previous local Housing Assistance Plans (prepared in conjunction with a HUD Community Development Block Grant application), and the statewide and community Comprehensive Homeless Assistance Plans (former prerequisites for receiving federal McKinney Act funds for emergency shelters). Other useful data sources include social indicator and service use analyses, resource inventories, and survey results. When using secondary data, however, consider its age and identify any biases that may have been built into published reports. 

Key Addressable Issues and Mission Statements 

At this stage, the needs identified by the qualitative and quantitative means described above are not ordered or evaluated for importance. But an appropriate number of key addressable housing issues should be selected from all those identified. First, the Task Force and the local governing body must determine whether the problems are within the parameters of the community's housing policy agenda. Realize that the personal concerns of small numbers of citizens or matters for which no workable policy remedies exist may not be appropriate public issues. Task Force members must also account for the realities of local housing market dynamics and the critical points at which change can be stimulated or delayed. Maybe it's too early or too late for actions to be successful. 

The local Housing Task Force should develop a preliminary goal or mission statement at the same time or immediately following the selection of a manageable number of key housing issues. Volunteers or paid staff can develop recommendations, with or without alternative options, about potential key issues. These recommendations might be reviewed by local officials, then given to the group responsible for making the final selection. The resultant problem statement should identify the target populations (e.g., single parent families) and geographic parameters (e.g., neighborhood, census tract, town or city, region) (Luke et al, 1988; Bryson & Roering, 1987). 

FIGURE 5. IDENTIFYING LOCAL HOUSING PROBLEMS--QUESTIONS TO ANSWER 

Local policymakers can use the following questions to help define, then state the problem--and later determine appropriate strategies for addressing the problems: 

1. What is the situation or condition of people or their environment that is seen as undesirable (e.g., homelessness, lack of affordable housing, substandard dwellings, etc.)? 

2. Who suffers from the problem? 

3. Who gains from the problem? 

4. Who defines it as a problem? 

5. Who does not define it as a problem? 

6. What is the cause of the problem? 

7. What are the current programs dealing with the problem? 

8. What would be the consequence of discontinuing these programs? 

9. What are the forces for and against closing the gap between need and resources [examine answers to questions 3-5]? 

Source: York, 1982. 

   
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