Regional Director Addresses
Oak Park Fair Housing Observance

Galvan delivered the keynote speech at the event sponsored by the Village of Oak Park

Speaking before a Fair Housing Month observance in Oak Park on April 24, 2002, HUD's Region V Director, Joseph Galvan, said that, "Discrimination today is more sophisticated and subtle than it used to be, and many of its victims still suffer in humiliating silence." He reminded the group, gathered at Oak Park Village Hall, that the Fair Housing Act is based on the simple premise that no one should be denied the opportunity to rent or buy the home of his or her choice because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or family status.

Galvan delivered the keynote speech at the event sponsored by the Village of Oak Park and the Oak Park Board of Realtors©. Co-hosts were Cynthia Breunlin, Housing Programs Manager for the Village of Oak Park and John Gasa of Baird and Warner Realtors. The program, which also included a panel discussion, was taped for later viewing on the Oak Park local access channel. Oak Park is nationally recognized for its commitment to maintaining ethnic diversity.

Galvan said, "HUD is committed to ending the practice of discrimination through enforcement of fair housing laws as well as through educating lenders, landlords, and tenants in complying with the laws." Remember that a single twig can be easily broken. But tie a hundred twigs together into a bundle and you have created strength through numbers. Working together, we have the power to change lives and build a better, stronger America," he concluded.