conclusions : : : possible explanations : : : owner occupation

When houses in Providence are renovated with Rhode Island Housing funding, eligible tenants may make no more than 50 to 60% of the median family income in Providence, as defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.(18) This measure, to build affordable housing with low-interest loans, is an effort to slow gentrification effects in these neighborhoods.

However, home ownership is an important key to urban revitalization, especially in Providence. When an owner lives in his own house, he might be more likely to call the police if there are nuisances or crimes happening outside, because he is economically and personally invested in maintaining order on that property. Unfortunately, this is a key piece of the puzzle that I was unable to obtain with certainty or accuracy, but I believe that examining owner-occupation is an important next step.