Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2024

Subjects

Eviction -- Oregon -- Economic aspects, Housing -- Law and legislation -- Oregon, Eviction -- Oregon -- Focus groups, Social justice, COVID-19 (Disease)

Abstract

Latine immigrant households often face housing instability due to language barriers, immigration status, and limited access to government resources. Oregon farmworkers experience additional obstacles to safe and stable housing caused by low wages, a lack of affordable housing options, and social isolation. In light of the identified needs and lack of equitable access to resources that this group experiences, the Evicted in Oregon research team conducted focus groups with Latine immigrant and farmworker tenants in Multnomah, Washington, and Marion Counties. The aim was to gain insight into their experiences with eviction and understand how they navigated through evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through these discussions, we identified three patterns that are unique to the experiences of Latine immigrants and farmworkers who face eviction: mistreatment by landlords, fear of involvement with the legal system, and navigating unfamiliar procedures that have negative impacts on their health and family. Our study also reveals that even when tenants receive rental assistance, additional support is necessary to alleviate concerns about engaging with and navigating the complex legal system. Considering their fear of legal system involvement during evictions, support systems must effectively address these intertwined needs related to housing challenges, language barriers, and immigration status. Additionally, many tenants raised concerns about unsafe housing conditions and unfair practices by landlords; therefore, an Eviction Navigation program and legal assistance would be valuable for Latine immigrants as they navigate unfamiliar procedures and systems related to court hearings, rental assistance applications, and tenant-landlord relations. These forms of support could help alleviate fears associated with involvement with the legal system for immigrant families.

Rights

© 2024 Portland State University
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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/42266

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