What is gentrification?

Gentrification is the renovation of lower-class neighborhoods to fit the expectations of the upper middle class. This is harmful because once these neighborhoods are renovated the people who originally resided in the community are displaced from their homes. This occurs because the cost of living has increased due to the construction of luxury apartments and the implementation of corporations.

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Who does gentrification affect?

Women, children, the elderly, and members of racial/ethnic minority groups become at risk for their health. Due to the lack of affordable healthy housing, healthy food choices, quality schools and changes in stress levels and mental health these groups are at increased risk for shorter life expectancies, higher cancer rates, more birth defects, greater infant mortality, and higher incidence of asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

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Why is preventing future gentrification important?

The act of gentrification causes great damage to the lives of people who are affected. These diverse communities of people have different cultures which defines many parts of the city. If gentrification continues to spread, not only would we have a large increase of people who are displaced from their communities but we would also lose the diversity that makes our city beautiful.