U.S. MARKS 36th ANNIVERSARY OF FAIR HOUSING ACT
HUD's Fair Housing Van to visit Oregon cities educating the public about Fair Housing Rights

PORTLAND - 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 is launching a 3-week Fair Housing Van tour through Oregon, Idaho, and Washington to bring the message of equal housing opportunity to local communities. In Oregon, the van will stop in The Dalles, Redmond, Klamath Falls, Ashland, Medford, Grants Pass, Roseburg, Junction City, Corvallis, Pendleton, and La Grande during April 12 - 21. Go to www.hud.gov/oregon for the times and locations in each city, or call 1-800-877-0246.

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.

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, or on the Internet.