Scattered site public housing, though opposed by most, is a lot better than stacking them all in one location. The kids who grow up in such a “hood” never see any other way of life; the kids in the scattered housing are at least exposed to the concept of getting up and going to work.
The problem is the NIMBY brigade, and they do have a point in not wanting to endanger their own families. But many are not willing to judge individuals and families by their behavior rather than their source of income.
And I posted before reading- I was thinking of section 8 rental assistance. An ownership program is even better, giving them more reason to improve themselves.