The Washington Post

Redress for gentrification

Fostering development without displacement

Story by Haisten Willis / Photos by Montinique Monroe

In Austin, Texas, the City Council is making available roughly 66 units to low-income citizens who can prove they or an immediate family member lived in certain neighborhoods such as Bouldin Creek, above. Montinique Monroe/The Washington Post
Cherelle VanBrakle, who grew up in St. Johns, hopes to move back to her childhood neighborhood if the city implements a program that would secure affordable housing to residents with ties to gentrifying areas. Montinique Monroe/The Washington Post
Cherelle VanBrakle plays with her daughter Marley in front of her childhood home in the historically Black yet quickly gentrifying St. Johns neighborhood in Austin. Montinique Monroe/The Washington Post
The Bouldin Creek neighborhood in Austin, Texas, on July 25, 2020. Montinique Monroe/The Washington Post
A childhood photo of Cherelle VanBrakle in front of her home in St. Johns. (Photo provided courtesy of Cherelle VanBrakle) Montinique Monroe/The Washington Post
Homes in the historically Black yet quickly gentrifying St. Johns neighborhood in Austin, Texas. Montinique Monroe/The Washington Post
Longtime East Austin resident Thelma “Grandma Wisdom” Williams, 79, has been working toward anti-gentrification efforts with Austin City Council. Montinique Monroe/The Washington Post
A home in the historically Black yet quickly gentrifying St. Johns neighborhood in Austin, Texas. Montinique Monroe/The Washington Post
Cherelle VanBrakle, with her daughters Ryleigh and Marley in the historically Black yet quickly gentrifying St. Johns neighborhood in Austin. Montinique Monroe/The Washington Post