2-1-1 Hotline Connects Landlords and Tenants with Fair Housing Information
BOISE, ID – May 13, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — All of Idaho will soon benefit from a proactive fair housing awareness campaign, thanks to a partnership among Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), Department of Commerce and the City of Boise. IHFA supported initial efforts by Boise’s Fair Housing Task Force to develop the campaign, and has adapted those materials for statewide distribution. A key feature of the campaign is a new ‘fair housing hotline’ provided by 2-1-1, allowing anyone in Idaho to call 2-1-1 for rapid information and referral for fair housing questions. The campaign slogan ‘Good Neighbors + Fair Housing = Stronger Communities’ can be seen in outdoor displays, and is being featured in creative spots on both radio and television.
“We want to acknowledge the Task Force for creating and sharing such a positive message,” said IHFA Senior Vice President Julie Williams. “Our regional partners are very impressed with the campaign and eager to share it with their communities.”
Fair housing laws guarantee everyone the right to live free from discrimination in the purchase, finance or rental of housing. Each of us belongs to one or more of the seven protected classes: race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status and disability. In Idaho, the most common fair housing complaints involve persons with disabilities, followed by national origin and familial status.
The collaboration with 2-1-1 provides an easy-to-remember contact for Idaho tenants, homebuyers, landlords and property managers alike. Call center staff track fair housing inquiries by type and location; this helps document public awareness of the issues. Staff are trained to refer calls to various agencies and organizations for information or assistance. While complaints don’t always mean discrimination has occurred, the data will be useful as Idaho works to develop an ongoing education strategy.
“Fair Housing is an issue that affects all Idahoans,” adds Boise Mayor Dave Bieter, “so the City of Boise is pleased to share this important fair housing campaign statewide so that all Idahoans can better understand their rights and responsibilities. Our Fair Housing Task Force has worked diligently to create an effective and accessible set of outreach materials, with the hope that this campaign could be easily borrowed and utilized by our neighbors around the state. Thank you to our partners, IHFA, Department of Commerce and 2-1-1 for extending this message far and wide.”
The current campaign is one of several Idaho initiatives among local and state government, nonprofits and the private sector to increase compliance with federal civil rights law. Among the coalition’s accomplishments are www.fairhousingforum.org, fair housing calendars, high school art contests, conferences and training events for housing, planning, and building professionals.
While education is no guarantee against complaints, it is important to take proactive steps to avoid unintentional violations. Compliance helps reduce the costs of government and keeps housing more affordable for everyone. More importantly, says IHFA’s Williams, “understanding fair housing law is the first step to avoiding injury and discrimination in the first place, and creating stronger communities in the long run.”
For fair housing information and referral, call 2-1-1.
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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.
Contact:
Lisa Davis lisad (at) ihfa (dot) org
IHFA Public & Media Relations Officer
208-331-4858
Katrina Thompson katrinat (at) ihfa (dot) org
Public Affairs Manager
208-331-4738
