Honestly? I would have enacted a benefits system, where those with houses would be exempt from paying taxes equal to the cost of their own house with a certain amount of interest. As for the poor folk who might not be able to pay for taxes set up a downpayment system where they pay a certain amount and to get them on their feet, pay reduced taxes for an amount of time, afterward they pay an increased amount when they have the ability until they've paid off all of the reduced cost. Though, I suppose there's the problem of managing it. But that would create a demand for those who can read and write and can fill in clerical positions, thus providing new job opportunities while freeing up low skill level jobs for the immigrants.