The Effects of Immigrant Status and Income Level on Homeownership for Latinos in Washington State
By Julia Leavitt
Executive Summary
THE EFFECTS OF IMMIGRANT STATUS AND INCOME LEVEL ON HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR LATINOS IN WASHINGTON STATE
Julia Leavitt, Whitman College
Executive Summary, November 27, 2006
“Por
ser nosotros latinos, tenemos que trabajar y luchar doble, por nuestro
color.” [Because we are Latinos, we have to work and fight twice as
hard, because of our color.]
Topic: I researched homelessness,
housing, and homeownership for Latinos in the U.S., Washington, and
Walla Walla. After narrowing the focus of my research, I posed the
question: what impacts homeownership rates for Latinos in Washington
State? I chose to concentrate on two aspects (of many) affecting
Washington Latinos—immigrant status and income level.
Methods:
The data collected included immigrant status, income levels, and
homeownership rates for three groups: the total population, Latinos,
and non-Latino whites. I gathered data for both Walla Walla and
Washington. Comparing Walla Walla data to that of Washington provided a
case study by which I could effectively analyze housing programs
provided at a state and local level and compare them with a Utah case
study. Representatives from the Walla Walla Housing Authority (WWHA)
graciously agreed to answer my questions about programs and policies
offered by that agency. After analyzing homeownership data for the
aforementioned subgroups, I focused on the factors that contribute to
low-homeownership rates among Latinos. The secondary research of
scholarly literature helped organize my argument around the
contradicting findings of scholars regarding the impact of immigrant
status on homeownership attainment. I also realized the importance of
understanding the complex relationship of multiple factors affecting
Latinos.
Findings: Homeownership, for both interviewees, is
still a sought after goal, regardless of current financial standing. I
found that the difference between homeownership rates for whites and
Latinos in Walla Walla is 85.6 percent. Furthermore, the disparity
between median household income for these same two groups is almost
$15,000. The WWHA does not have Latino-specific programs for
homeownership attainment. Both Latinos interviewed reiterate the fact
that they simply cannot work enough or earn enough to pay for housing.
One interviewee said, “por más que trabajo, no alcanza el dinero” [no
matter how much I work, the money isn’t enough]. However, neither
person interviewed thought that being an immigrant hindered them more
than being Latino.
Recommendations: The State of Washington
Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED) could
instigate a community-based effort (in Walla Walla, for instance) by
awarding grants to local organizations such as businesses, churches,
banks, and social service agencies that offer bilingual workshops on
debt and income management. Individuals, in turn, benefit from the
education of money management and have an increased potential to save
up for a home purchase. Furthermore, individuals should demand that
state and local governments provide these educational opportunities for
learning more about household finances.
Community Partner: Melinda Townsend, my community partner, heads the Helpline office in Walla Walla.
