Definition

Noun: A system of providing, or the actual residential developments comprising, housing that is owned, managed, and subsidized by a government entity for the purpose of offering affordable homes to low-income families and individuals.

Usage

"Public housing" is used as a non-count noun to refer to the general system or concept, and as a count noun to refer to specific developments or projects. * The city is investing in new public housing to address the affordability crisis. (non-count, referring to the system) * The old public housing complex was recently renovated. (count, referring to a specific development)

Examples

• Many families rely on public housing as their only affordable option.
• The new public housing units include community centers and playgrounds.
• Eligibility for public housing is based on income level and family size.

Advanced Usage

• "To be placed in public housing": To be assigned a home within the public housing system.
  • After the fire, the displaced families were placed in public housing.
• "Public housing authority (PHA)": The local government agency that manages public housing.
  • She applied for an apartment through the local public housing authority.

Variants and Related Words

• Council housing (noun, chiefly UK): The British term for public housing.
• Social housing (noun): A broader term that can include public housing as well as housing provided by non-profit organizations.
• Subsidized housing (noun): A general term for any housing where the rent is reduced by government assistance, which includes public housing.

Synonyms

• Government housing
• State housing
• Subsidized housing (broader term)

Antonyms

• Private housing
• Market-rate housing

Noun

1. a housing development that is publicly funded and administered for low-income families