A hand up,not a hand out: Lessons for public policy

For many in our society owning a home is not possible without the help of grass-roots organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. The study of the response of public institutions to personal problems can provide policy makers with valuable information about changing or creating new programs and policies to assist those having difficulty finding decent, affordable housing to own. This paper presents the findings of a study of the relationship between those whose dream did become reality and those who helped them. In addition, this paper presents a model of the process that policy students can use to examine the public responses to private troubles.