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.

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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