CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Dramatic changes are playing out across the country. Family homes, family land, family businesses are all at risk when it comes to gentrification in the US. A new class of more affluent residents are moving into predominately poor communities bringing with them new money, new schools, new infrastructures, while leaving families, and many times the elderly with no place to live. At last count, more than 20 percent of lower income neighborhoods have fallen victim to gentrification. Now, one woman is leading the charge to help neighbors stay in their homes and preserve the history of these predominately black communities.
Berlean Roary lives just down the street from her granddaughter Naomi.
“We do homework. She tries to help me when I’m in the kitchen,” said Roary.
Her entire life has been built around family and her community.
“I was born and raised here,” said Roary.
When her husband passed — keeping up with rising costs and household repairs became a struggle.
“My roof was leaking in different little spots, and I had a crack in my ceiling in one of my bedrooms. And my bathroom floor was soft,” explained Roary.
Repairs that could cost 30-thousand dollars.
That’s when Alesha Brown, and her non-profit, For The Struggle, stepped in.
“Folks are being displaced from their homes. They’re being priced out of their homes,” said Brown.
A civil rights attorney, Alesha started For The Struggle in Charlotte, North Carolina — to help seniors fight development. They do critical home repairs, environmentally friendly upgrades, assist with property tax relief, and sign them up for the homestead act. They also prepare trusts and estate planning, and supply meals for over a hundred seniors a week — all for free.
“I feel like, you know, we stand on their shoulders, right? We owe them, we have a responsibility to them to make sure they are taken care of,” explained Brown.
With two sons, two daughters, 12 grandkids and one great grandson, Berlean hopes to continue to be part of all their lives—and has no plans on leaving the neighborhood.
“I’m very comfortable here and I see myself being here,” tells Roary.
Voter education is also a critical part of For The Struggle’s mission. They have educated thousands of black and brown voters on their rights and helped them to get registered to vote. For The Struggle is a 501-C3 non-profit. It has a budget of more than 1.1 million dollars and raises most of its funding through large corporations and foundations. Right now, they have more than 400 volunteers who help with home repairs and food delivery. Gentrification
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor
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Sources:
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article260564092.html
