I think you are mischaracterizing the parent poster's statement. You're imagining that they're referencing 3rd-world hell holes, but they're not. Look again.

I think you are mischaracterizing the parent poster's statement. You're imagining that they're referencing 3rd-world hell holes, but they're not. Look again. > a dry room big enough for a bed and with a door that locks (for which one has the only key) is serviceable housing. What they're referring to is a boarding house with common lavatories and eating areas, which was deemed sufficient for most U.S. congressmen staying in Washington for the nation's first 80 years. The case isn't being made that this is a good permanent solution. However, boarding houses are much better than the streets, which is the next lowest rung from long-term motels.