I am currently in public housing. It is an 80-unit complex. I have a nice 2-bedroom unit for me and my son.

It seems to be reasonably well run. I've been around other public housing projects, and I have the same feeling.

They are not slums. But they are a bit rough. But that comes with the low income culture.

I pay $850 a month, which includes utilities. Comparable costs in the free market (in my town) would be about $1600 a month---and most units are slummy.

There are three people who manage this place. They work part-time, and I suspect not paid all that well. They are quasi volunteers.

I suspect my rental payment are the daily costs of running this 80-unit complex. No interest or depreciation. The free market would take in these expenses when assessing an appropriate rent.

It seems like a good public housing model to me.

The only drawback is that I have to move out if my annual income reaches $42,000 a year. Like too many government programs, prorating things seems difficult for politicians and bureaucrats.

There is a citizen board that runs the complex, but I think the provincial government sets most of the rules. It would be interesting to be on the inside.