Fair Housing Month: Dallas and Modern Day Redlining

As we continue to spotlight Fair Housing Month and commemorate the 55th anniversary of the enactment of the Fair Housing Act and establishment of HUD, we wanted to take the opportunity to discuss some of the persisting practices that act as barriers to housing. Modern day redlining is one of the housing practices that continues to affect many cities in the United States, including Dallas. Redlining refers to the systematic practice of restricting access to housing, credit, and other services based on race or ethnicity. While redlining was officially banned in the United States in 1968 through the Fair Housing Act, certain development  and lending practices still amount to redlining marginalized communities. 

In Dallas, redlining has contributed to persistent segregation and disparities in access to housing and economic opportunities. While DCH works to increase access to resources and bring equitable developments to neighborhoods, there are still areas of Dallas plagued by limited access to quality housing, jobs, and education. One of the ways we see modern-day redlining in Dallas is through lending practices. Banks and other financial institutions have historically denied loans and mortgages to individuals and businesses based on race, often citing "risk factors" that are deeply rooted in bias. Without lending and in areas segregated without access to opportunity, the wealth gap is expands and becoming a homeowner can be unattainable for some. 

The second way modern day redlining occurs is through the unequal access and distribution of public resources. Schools in marginalized communities receive fewer resources and funding than those in more affluent communities, perpetuating educational disparities and limits opportunities. Communities can be displaced in the face of gentrification where there are not safe guards for housing.  Where there is displacement, you also see a rise in housing instability, loss of community, and increased economic hardship

Fighting for and advocating for communities that are at risk of being displaced and advocating for fair housing practices is at the core of DCH. We work with lenders, educators, and community organizations and advocacy groups to promote fair housing practices and increase access to affordable housing. We can all work towards a more equitable housing future and combat modern redlining through addressing the root causes of residential segregation and discrimination and working together to promote equity and economic opportunities to neighborhoods at risk.  For 30 years and counting DCH is a minority led developer that builds quality mixed-income housing and we will continue to be inspired by and work for housing equality as set forth by the Fair Housing Act.