Daly City, California: Midwat Village: Public Housing Building Contaminated Soil

“Most stay in toxic traps because they fear losing their berth in public housing and ending up living in shelters or on the street while waiting their turn on long lists for the next available unit. Placing public housing residents on the fence-line with toxic industries sends a powerful message that society does not value these people and is willing to sacrifice their health in order to reduce public spending. Not only is this type of decision morally repugnant, it is also shortsighted in that taxpayers ultimately pay for emergency health care services for this population once they fall ill from foreseeable chemical exposures.” (Lerner 2010, p. 217)