This paper evaluates six housing programs: two supply-subsidy programs (cost reduction and public housing), two recent-regulation programs (Section 8 existing, housing assistance and rent control), and two demand-subsidy programs (housing allowances and unrestricted cash grants). It compares the ability of those programs to (a) improve housing in general, (b) reduce poverty, and (c) improve low-income housing in particular. Different programs do best on each objective. Giving money to housing (cost reduction) does best on the housing-improvement objective. Giving money to poor people (unrestricted cash grants) does best on the anti-poverty objective. Giving money to poor people and earmarking it for housing (housing allowances) does best on the low-income housing objective.