April is Fair Housing Month

image by NAR

Every April, Realtors remember the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This landmark legislation made it illegal to discriminate in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, and religion. Familial status, disability, and sex, which includes sexual orientation and gender identity, have since been added as protected classes. The Fair Housing Act has helped to promote diversity, inclusion, and equal access to housing for millions of Americans. However, we know that the fight for fair housing is still on-going and there is so much work left to be done.

As a board member of LOU-HOME, INC., I feel very strongly about equal access to housing and am committed to promoting fair housing practices and helping to build more equitable communities. Forrest Jenkins, Financial/Housing Counselor for LOU-HOME, INC., is a great resource for individuals and families in the LOU community. Contact her at counseling@louhome.org or 662-607-4141 for more information about LOU-HOME and how the organization can help you!

What can you do as a consumer regarding fair housing? As our Mississippi Realtor Institute shares, “As a consumer, you can support fair housing by educating yourself about your rights and by speaking out against discrimination when you see it. If you have experienced discrimination in your search for housing, you can report it to the appropriate authorities and seek legal assistance if necessary.”

Yes, April is the month we remember and reflect on fair housing, but we at Neighborhood Realty think about fair housing in all of our business dealings.