Tension between different races and social classes seem to drive the real estate market. Racial steering and blockbusting are both methods that instill negative racial stereotypes for monetary gain. The negative perception of colored people in real estate is still apparent today.

For example, in Elmhurst it was decided that the Pan American Hotel be used as a homeless shelter. However, there was much backlash from the community, which has a majority of Asians living there.  A few arguments made by Elmhurst residents were that the presence of the homeless shelter would drive property values down and that the city government decided this without consulting them. Elmhurst residents felt like the government just “dumped” this homeless shelter into the community. Many of the Elmhurst residents who organized and protested against the establishment of the homeless shelter were Asian. When Elmhurst residents held a protest outside of the hotel, racial slurs were exchanged between the homeless families, who were mainly Hispanic and black, and the protesters.

Reflecting back to our previous readings, it is evident that there is a housing crisis on our hands because of the rising property values and high rent. Usually people want the government to step in and help the poor. However, because of racial tensions and the stigma against homeless people, the opportunity of lowering property values for more affordable housing in Elmhurst was squandered.

Discussion Question: Can more affordable housing be developed with the approval of various communities if racism still exists?