WHO WE ARE

Racism has no home here.

ekoLiving began as an ethical brand, it was started with a specific goal in mind, the goal to do better for our planet by creating sustainable housing while supporting local businesses and contractors.

We take a lot of pride in our efforts for the environment and  the local economy-throughout all aspects in the design of our modern apartments. We also have involved ourselves in countless efforts to assist people in need, from volunteering and donating to homeless shelters, to providing rent relief for residents affected by COVID-19. So it is only natural for us to proudly take a stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

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Many people see Portland as a safe space, a vacuum, void of the racism and hate that we see across the nation. But Portland is not innocent in its history. The truth is that racism was woven into the very fabric that our city is cut from. The zoning, the laws, the historically segregated housing practices. Oregon’s racist history exists, and it needs to be acknowledged.

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As a business that operates in the housing industry, we are on the frontlines of stamping out inequality every single day. Education on subjects like discrimination, disparate impact, and racism are frequent and regular occurrences for our team. Racism has no home here, and it never will. We never stop learning, we never stop pushing ourselves to be better because the future of Portland and our entire country rests with us. We cannot change the injustices of the past, but we can make things right for the future. We can be the generation that puts an end to systemic racism, we can see equality in our lifetime. And ekoLiving vows to do our part in this fight.

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In the same way that we understand that ignoring environmental issues won’t make them go away, we recognize that ignoring inequality won’t make it go away. The time for inaction is no more, individuals, and businesses small and large need to take the time to learn and understand the history and struggle of the Black community. Racism is not dead but the more people who come together and join in the fight, the sooner we can make the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a reality. The dream that “little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

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In addition to ongoing education, continuing to proudly hire people in all protected classes and supporting local businesses including those that are Black-owned. We are currently planning ways that we can get more involved and make an impact on the fight to end racial injustice.

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We stand with the Black community and are proud to say that ekoliving is and always will be an ally.