Claudia J. Heath
College of Human Environmental Science
University of Kentucky
102 Erikson Hall
Lexington, KY  40506
Tel:  (859)257-2878
Fax:  (859)257-4095
e-mail:  cjheath@uky.edu

Purpose
Interest in the concept of social capital as an adjustment strategy to environmental stressors is emerging.  This exploratory study examines the role of social capital in helping low income families adjust to new neighborhood settings after relocation from a public housing development demolished as part of a federal HOPE VI revitalization plan.

Methods
A random sample of residents relocated from their public housing units were surveyed (N = 57) to determine overall perceptions and satisfaction with both their former and current neighborhoods.  Specifically, individuals were asked about neighborhood conditions, access to resources, social networks, and hardships experienced by the household both before and after the move.  Respondents were primarily women (89.5%).  Fifty-four percent reported being the head of a single parent household.  Slightly more than half the sample (53%) completed twelve years of schooling, and 37% are currently employed.

Results
Results suggest that respondents accumulated social capital through strong networks and relationships developed while living in their former public housing setting. Specifically, respondents reported socializing often with neighbors (62%), attending church regularly (66%), and participating in block club meetings (46%) while living in their former neighborhood.  Paired sample t-tests revealed similar levels of satisfaction by respondents with their former and current neighborhoods, and no significant increase in hardships experienced after the move.  Results further suggest that respondents turned to pre-established networks for assistance in adjusting after the relocation.

Implications
A residential dislocation can be a stressful life event, disrupting neighborhood social ties and connections to resources.  At the same time, the relocation can also serve to activate an individual’s accumulated social capital, aiding in the adjustment process by buffering the stress associated with moving to a new social and physical environment.  Further study in this emerging area is warranted to increase our understanding of the application of social capital as a tool to promote healthy coping.