Understanding Housing Inequity

Introduction

Housing inequity refers to disparities and unfairness in access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing opportunities among different groups within a community or society. According to the Opportunity Starts at Home campaign, an initiative of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and many other organizational partners, “decades of structural racism have created tremendous racial disparities in housing, and that legacy continues to shape the present landscape.”  These imbalances are rooted in historical discriminatory practices, systemic biases, economic disparities, and social injustices, and often result in our neighbors facing greater obstacles in securing suitable housing, leading to a lack of access to essential resources, opportunities, and overall well-being. To effectively address housing inequity, multiple approaches are required including implementing policies, initiatives, and practices that strive to eliminate these disparities and ensure that everyone has equal access to housing, irrespective of their socioeconomic background, race, ethnicity, or other defining characteristics (Racial Equity Fact Sheet).

Causes of Housing Inequity

Housing inequity has multiple causes, often stemming from historical, economic, and systemic factors. In Asheville and Buncombe County, housing inequity has historical roots in racial and economic discrimination.  Check out this great article written by the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity which expresses a few of the primary causes of housing inequity in our area. Additionally, this 2022 report generated for the City of Asheville reviews the historical legacy of Asheville’s Black communities and the impacts of Urban Renewal.  Our local governments are continuing to study and address housing inequity in our community.  This requires comprehensive strategies that tackle these root causes including policy changes, community engagement, and efforts to dismantle systemic barriers. Thrive Asheville’s work with the Landlord Tenant Partnership and the Buncombe Rental Assistance Collaborative are two examples of partnerships with the City and County which are working to increase housing equity and remove barriers to opportunity for our Black and brown neighbors and friends.

How does Housing Inequity Impact our Communities?

Housing inequity has profound and far-reaching impacts on our community and affects various aspects of residents' lives and overall community well-being; even if we aren’t aware of it.  First, in an 2018 article featured in the CT Mirror, a nonprofit news source in Connecticut, housing inequity can lead to many social and economic disparities. This includes segregation and an absence of community cohesion, which can hinder the development of strong community bonds, making it challenging for residents to collectively address shared issues. Unequal access to housing can contribute to disparities in wealth accumulation, as home equity is a significant source of wealth for many families. Additionally, inequitable housing opportunities can hinder residents' ability to move to areas with better job prospects and economic opportunities. Housing inequity often results in some communities having limited access to safe and healthy housing, leading to adverse physical and mental health outcomes. You can explore this more in depth by reviewing the data on the State of Black Asheville’s website. 

For black youth in our community, housing instability can result in increased student mobility, negatively impacting academic performance and social development, and as the recent Asheville Citizen Times article highlights, communities facing housing inequity may experience higher crime rates, often tied to economic hardship and limited resources.

Housing inequity impacts our neighbors' access to opportunities for growth and resilience.  Inequitable housing can restrict residents' ability to access job opportunities, particularly if affordable housing is not available near employment centers. These transportation challenges faced by our neighbors make it difficult for residents to reach not only jobs, but also essential services and amenities.

Finally, inequitable housing has a generational impact. Housing inequity can perpetuate cycles of poverty, as limited access to stable housing may affect future generations. Addressing housing inequity is crucial not only for the well-being of individuals and families but also for fostering inclusive, vibrant, and resilient communities. Efforts to promote fair housing policies, increase affordable housing options, and eliminate discriminatory practices can contribute to creating more equitable and sustainable communities.

Learn more about Thrive’s work to increase housing equity in our communities through the Landlord Tenant Partnership and the Buncombe Rental Assistance Collaborative (BRAC).