Do not punish the low income by putting them in sub-standard housing. I have seen Tuscaloosa change from World War II years and progress has been made. There is still room for improvement and we have a good chance now to make changes.
Give these people something they can have pride in and give them enough ground with it to grow some vegetables and flowers. You might be surprised at how much good can come from being able to sprout a seed or grow a tomato. It is therapy and is better than a bottle of pills.