HUD No. 04-ID-02 Connie Hogland (208) 334-1990 |
For
Release Monday April 12, 2004 |
HUD'S ASSISTANT SECRETARY CAROLYN PEOPLES IS COMING TO BOISE TO CELEBRATE THE 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT
HUD's Fair Housing Van to visit seven Idaho cities educating the public
about Fair Housing Rights
BOISE - The Fair Housing Act, established by Congress in 1968,
prohibits discrimination in the rental, sale, or
financing of any
dwelling based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
In 1988, amendments were added to prohibit discrimination based
on disability and familial status. Alleged violations of the Act
are investigated by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
state and city agencies working with HUD, and private fair housing
groups, many of which also receive HUD funds.
To celebrate the 36th anniversary of passage of the Act, HUD's
Region X office today launched a 3-week 30 city
Fair Housing Van
tour through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to bring the message
of equal housing opportunity to local communities. In Idaho, the
van will stop in Boise, Caldwell, Meridian, Nampa, Lewiston, Moscow,
and Coeur d'Alene during April 22-28. Events planned for each city
will include a Proclamation of Fair Housing Month by the
Mayor or
other city official.
HUD's
Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Ms.
Carolyn Peoples, will speak at the Boise proclamation event with
Mayor David Bieter and HUD's Idaho Field Office Director, Connie
Hogland on Thursday,
April 22 at the Central Plaza, MK Complex beginning
at noon. Earlier in the day, Ms. Peoples will make opening
remarks
from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at a special "Keepers of the Dream"
celebratory event for housing partners and
the general public at
the MK Auditorium.
"HUD
and our partners are determined to ensure fair housing for all,
especially minorities, persons with disabilities,
and families with
children," said Connie Hogland, HUD's Idaho Field Office Director.
"We encourage everyone to visit the van when it stops in your
community. Fair housing specialists will be there to answer your
questions, provide informational brochures, and explain how to file
a complaint if you suspect housing discrimination."
In
fiscal year 2003, individuals filed nearly 8,100 discrimination
complaints nationwide with HUD and its partner agencies in states
and localities, and the Department resolved more than 8,400 cases.
HUD estimates, however,
that the number of complaints received comprise
only a small percentage of actual incidences of housing-related
discrimination. Furthermore, HUD research suggests that more than
80 percent of people discriminated against fail
to report the incident.
"The apparent reasons for this inaction are not complicated," said Carolyn Peoples, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "Far too many Americans still do not know where to turn for help when they do experience discrimination. Others have trouble recognizing discrimination when it occurs."
HUD studies confirm that African Americans, Hispanics, Asians/Pacific
Islanders, and Native Americans often receive less favorable treatment
than similarly qualified whites when attempting to buy, finance,
or rent homes.
Discrimination because of race and national origin
is alleged in more than 50 percent of the complaints received by
HUD and the state and local agencies it funds through the Fair Housing
Assistance Program.
Discrimination based on disability accounted for 39 percent of the
complaints received in fiscal year 2003 by HUD
and its FHAP partners.
Disability-related complaints include, among others, allegations
of housing providers refusing
to rent to people with disabilities,
denying reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities,
or failing to
design and construct housing that meets the Act's
accessibility requirements.
HUD recently launched a national ad campaign designed to educate the public about their fair housing rights. The campaign includes an award-winning public service announcement.
HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership,
particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities
for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly,
people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department
also promotes economic and community development as
well as enforces
the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its
programs is available on the Internet
and espanol.hud.gov.
###
Note to editors: People who believe they've been
harmed by housing discrimination can file complaints
with HUD in
Region X by calling 1-800-877-0246, TDD 1-800-927-9275.
IDAHO FAIR HOUSING VAN EVENTS: APRIL 2004
Date & Time: | Place & Event: |
4/22 - 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
|
Boise, Central Plaza, MK Complex, 720 Park Boulevard: Proclamation of Fair Housing Month by Mayor David Bieter followed by remarks on Fair Housing by HUD FHEO Assistant Secretary Carolyn Peoples and HUD Idaho Field Office Director Connie Hogland. |
4/22 - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
|
Caldwell Police Station, 110 South 5th Avenue: Proclamation of Fair Housing Month by City Council President Rob Hopper followed by remarks on Fair Housing by HUD staff. Living Independence Network Corporation and other local partners are assisting in presenting the event. |
4/22 - 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
|
Meridian City Hall, 206 East 3rd Street: Proclamation of Fair Housing Month by Mayor Tammy de Weerd followed by remarks on Fair Housing by HUD staff. |
4/23 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
|
Nampa, Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho, 317 Stampede Road: Proclamation of Fair Housing Month by City Council President Lynda Clark followed by remarks on Fair Housing by HUD staff. |
4/27
- 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM |
Lewiston Community Center, 1424 Main Street: Proclamation of Fair Housing Month by Mayor Jeff Nesset followed by remarks on Fair Housing by HUD staff. |
4/27 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
|
Moscow City Hall, 206 East 3rd Street: Proclamation of Fair Housing Month by Mayor Marshall Comstock followed by remarks on Fair Housing by HUD staff. Disability Action Center Northwest is assisting in presenting the event. |
4/28 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
Coeur d'Alene, Lake City Senior Center, 1916 Lakewood Drive: Proclamation of Fair Housing Month by Mayor Sandi Bloem followed by brief remarks by HUD staff. For those wanting lunch, there is a charge of $5.00 for persons under 60 years of age; suggested donation is $3.00 for those over 60 years of age. Please notify the Senior Center if you intend to have lunch at 667-4628 (so they have an accurate count). |