If the economy slides into recession before welfare recipients have time to establish new skills, work patterns and eligibility for unemployment benefits, welfare reform is almost certain to be a failure, if not an outright disaster. Community development Partnerships for community development are beginning to create new hope for some devastated areas of big cities, smaller towns and rural areas.
Partners include business and community groups, financial institutions and governments. With continued economic growth and low unemployment, these efforts could transform many blighted areas into viable communities with decent housing and an economic base. Recession, especially a deep one, would dry up public and private resources and greatly reduce the chances of successful community development.