J Community Pract

Using a community-engaged participatory research approach, this study identified surrounding community residents' expectations for how a HOPE VI housing initiative might affect their community and individual health and physical activity. Fifty-nine women and men engaged in concept mapping, which is a mixed methods approach, where participants generate, sort, and rate ideas. Participants generated 197 unique statements. Thirteen thematic clusters related to expected changes for the community, health and physical activity emerged. Residents' rated 'Increased Pride in the Neighborhood' and 'Increased Safety' as the most important factors related to HOPE VI whereas 'Drawbacks of HOPE VI' was rated as least important. This research provides insight into the potential impacts of housing initiatives from the perspective of those most affected by such initiatives. The findings also highlight environmental changes as potential mechanisms that may improve residents' perceptions of the community and encourage healthy lifestyles.P30 AG031054/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United StatesR00 DK083333/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United StatesT32 DK062710/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United StatesU48 DP001915/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United States2017-03-25T00:00:00Z27667912PMC502985