What Leads to a Sense of Community In Social Housing Apartments? Explorative Research In Taiwan Using Mixed Methods

Background and Purpose:
To provide affordable and quality housing options, the Taiwan government builds Social Housing Apartments (SHAs) for rent at discounted prices based on income level. At least 40% of SHA units are prioritized for people under the poverty line, families raising three or more children, individuals with disabilities, or others in vulnerable housing situations. The general occupancy ceiling is 6 years, and 12 years for priority groups. It is expected that positive experience of living in SHAs, a sense of community, will facilitate subsequent housing arrangements. The governing authority has invested considerable resources in the built environment and property management. However, on-site supportive systems remain scattered, depending on municipal jurisdiction and the interests of local non-profit organizations (NPOs).

This study explores the crucial factors that form a sense of community in SHAs. The research framework is developed from literature on social housing and placemaking. The first question examines predictors including satisfaction with the built environment, satisfaction with social infrastructures, and satisfaction with the broader neighborhood (Model 1). Control variables include gender, length of residency, priority-group status, self-efficacy, and general civic participation. The second question asks whether participation in SHA activities leads to a stronger sense of community (Model 2) and whether it moderates the effects of the three aspects of SHA satisfaction (Model 3).

Methods:
Mixed methods were used. A purposive sample of seven SHA sites was selected for municipal and geographical representativeness. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey open to tenants (N = 407). Three linear regression models were constructed. In-depth interviews with 19 on-site workers and 20 tenants were conducted to support interpretation.

Results:
Statistical results indicate that satisfaction with both the built environment (β = .161, p = .020) and social infrastructures (β = .384, p < .000) significantly influences sense of community (R² = .302). Positive experiences of living in a decent housing environment (e.g., light, greenery, and public areas) and having friendly interpersonal relationships (e.g., with property management, neighbors, and social service providers) may enhance tenants’ identity and sense of belonging within the SHA community.

On-site activities hosted by NPOs, property management companies, and volunteer tenants are also helpful (β = .437, p = .031) when predictors and personal characteristics are controlled (R² = .311). Interview participants described these gatherings as fun, refreshing, and meaningful in daily life. Such relationships may develop into social support when tenants encounter illness, loneliness, or the loss of a family member. Unexpectedly, activity participation only moderates the effect of satisfaction with the built environment negatively (β = –.214, p = .011) (R² = .324). Tenants who participate more frequently may express stronger expectations regarding the design nuances of public spaces.

Conclusions and Implications:
Social infrastructures are key for SHA tenants to feel attached to their community. Interventions to enhance on-site social relationships should be systematically funded by the government. In particular, on-site activities that encourage tenant interaction may develop meaningful social support networks.