Also, not all impoverished area housing groups are slums. Slums geneally are where the residents have built homes and businesses on property without having the permits and property titles. For instance, on property adjacent to a rail line, owned by the railroad for future development. Because the residents could get forced out at any time (likely without much or any "compensation"), the residents don't invest in a properly built house -- and instead are built essentially using just some rough timber and sheet metal, and maybe a few blocks at the base to keep the water out when it rains. There's no water service, no ability to put a water tank on the roof even, no sewer, and not even real drainage for rain runoff.

in the states saying someone lives in a 'slum' or 'ghetto' is generally seen as condescending. i appreciate the detail, thanks.