Evaluation of social services in a HOPE VI housing development: resident and staff perceptions of successes and barriers

This paper presents the results of a formative evaluation of social services programming conducted at a HOPE VI housing development in Boston. In the paper we describe the implementation of the program, the utilization of services by residents, resident satisfaction, and early outcome data. Based on these data we discuss the successes and barriers of the program thus far. Several data collection methods were used in the evaluation: a longitudinal random survey of households, group interviews with residents, in-person interviews with staff, interviews with representatives of provider agencies, and the development of a client data base. The findings reported in this paper are primarily from the resident survey. Key findings from the resident group interviews and staff interviews are also included. As a whole, the findings suggest success in terms of residents' knowledge and use of services, and high levels of satisfaction with the services provided and the community as a whole. Continuing challenges to service delivery and client outcome attainment include long-standing barriers to employment (e.g. low levels of education) and resident uncertainty regarding changes in the community and the role of the social services program.