WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 2, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — April is Fair Housing Month. Several events throughout Idaho and a series of new videos will put the spotlight on the 1968 law that guarantees equal access to housing. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.
“We’re encouraged by the increased awareness of fair housing in Idaho, however there is still work to be done,” said Gerald M. Hunter, president Idaho Housing and Finance Association. “An investment in fair housing education pays dividends for all Idahoans.”
The Idaho Fair Housing Forum, a group of organizations that support Fair Housing education and outreach, will host three free workshops aimed at consumers, providers, advocates and anyone else interested in learning about Fair Housing Act rights and responsibilities. Some of the topics include Ramp Up Idaho, best practices for housing providers, transitioning into housing of choice and support animals. Workshops will be held in:
Coeur d’Alene: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., April 4, Coeur d’Alene Library, 702 E. Front Ave. For more information or to register go to http://1.usa.gov/1mhQl4D.
Nampa: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., April 15, Nampa Civic Center, 311 Third St. S. For more information or to register go to http://1.usa.gov/1gc8AWP.
Pocatello: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., April 21, Pocatello City Hall, 911 N. Seventh Ave. For more information or to register go to http://1.usa.gov/1gRBVAT.
In May, the Idaho Fair Housing Forum and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will hold a free Fair Housing Accessibility training session for architects, designers and builders.
Boise: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., May 15, Washington Group Plaza Auditorium, 720 Park Blvd. For more information or to register, contact John Ritzu at jritzu (at) lcmarchitects (dot) com or (312) 913‐1717, Ext. 228, or visit www.fairhousingfirst.org.
Idahoans also have a new online resource to help them understand the Fair Housing Act. Four animated videos commissioned by Idaho Housing and Finance Association help viewers understand the basics of fair housing, recognize discrimination, report possible violations and promote accessibility. The videos, in English and Spanish, are available atidahohousing.com (search for “fair housing videos”) and fairhousingforum.org.
Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a financial services and housing business organization, improves lives and strengthens Idaho communities by expanding housing opportunities, building self-sufficiency, and fostering economic development.
Katrina Thompson katrinat (at) ihfa (dot) org
Marketing and Communications Manager
208-331-4738
