Resident Perceptions of Redevelopment and Gentrification in the Heartside Neighborhood: Lessons for the Social Work Profession

Authors

Mackenzi Huyser, Trinity Christian College
Judi Ravenhorst Meerman, Kuyper CollegeFollow

Keywords

Gentrification, neighborhood redevelopment, resident perceptions, Heartside, Grand Rapids (MI)

Abstract

This article reports on how residents experience neighborhood redevelopment efforts and gentrification. Research on gentrification has been dominated by studies on displacement and other factors that impact neighborhood mobility. This article explores how low-income and homeless residents experience gentrification by using in-depth interviews with residents still living in the Heartside neighborhood (Grand Rapids, MI). Findings are evident in three broad areas: sense of belonging, recognition of changes in the neighborhood, and restrictions in the neighborhood. Discussion of these findings and implications for social workers are presented.

Recommended Citation

Huyser, Mackenzi and Meerman, Judi Ravenhorst (2014) "Resident Perceptions of Redevelopment and Gentrification in the Heartside Neighborhood: Lessons for the Social Work Profession," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 41: Iss. 3, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3965
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol41/iss3/2