By Amanda Haworth, December 6, 2018
The term “redlining” gets bandied about during discussions around building affordable housing and gentrification, but not a lot of people actually understand what it is or where the term came from.
During a housing shortage in 1933, the US government started subsidizing builders to create large quantities of homes, but with strict regulations of who could live in these communities. A huge majority of these builds were in what was becoming the new suburban landscape, and they were designed specifically for white middle-class families, with a requirement being the exclusion of black families. This meant that while white families were getting the opportunity to buy new homes, the non-white, and specifically African-American, populations were forced by law to find living accommodations in the inner city in less desirable housing projects. These policies and regulations also allowed banks to refuse to give mortgage loans to people trying to buy in or near “black” neighborhoods. This line drawing by the Federal Housing Administration was known as “redlining”, since they would literally not offer mortgages to anyone within these marked out areas.
It was essentially state and federally-sponsored segregation and it has rippled through the housing market ever since. The effects of these racist policies created a pattern of neglect and wealth inequality within inner-city communities. Without the opportunity for upward mobility, these communities stagnated and have led to a lot of the conversations we are having today surrounding urban development and gentrification.
Amanda Haworth
Earth Advantage Broker
As a native Oregonian who has lived in Portland for over 20 years, I consider myself to be a “Portland Enthusiast.” I love this city and will tell anyone within earshot why if ever asked.
I’m also the daughter of a Realtor, which means I’ve been involved in this industry one way or another most of my life. I know the business, I know how to listen, and how to give my clients what they need during these pivotal processes.
When you are involved in helping someone buy or sell a home, you move beyond just a working relationship. I see my clients not just as a paycheck, but as a new partner.
As an Earth Advantage Certified Broker and ADU Specialist and a Five Star Professional I specialize in:
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- Home Selling
- First Time Home Buying
- New Homes and New Construction
- Condos and Townhomes
- 2nd Homes and Vacation Homes
- T: 503-453-7698
- F: 503-961-8224
- amanda@livingroomre.com
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503-961-8224