Kay Anderson describes the Block as containing a number of vandalised houses, no more than shells. Alcohol and other substance abuse are more visible than in other districts as is the legacy of unemployment, boredom, truancy and disaffection among youths. Graffiti is abundant, many of the cars parking on the rough, narrow streets are defaced and many of the tenants, especially children, appear to bear symptoms of crippling poverty, inadequate nutrition, and crowded living conditions. With little money from rent coming in, the houses are left without maintenance continuing the rapid deterioration of the housing stock. The AHC is unable to keep up with repairs. (Pitts p. 3/40)