U.S. MARKS 36th ANNIVERSARY OF FAIR HOUSING ACT
HUD's Fair Housing Van to visit 10 eastern Washington cities educating the public about Fair Housing Rights

SPOKANE - 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 today a 3-week Fair Housing Van tour through Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to bring the message of equal housing opportunity to
local communities. In eastern Washington, the van will stop in Benton City, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Kennewick,
Spokane, Sunnyside, Union Gap, Wenatchee, Moses Lake, and Ephrata during April 19 – 30. In some cities, the
van's stop will coincide with the Mayor's Proclamation of Fair Housing Month event. Go to www.hud.gov/washington for the times and locations in each city, or call 1 (800) 877-0246.

"HUD and our partners are determined to ensure fair housing for all, especially minorities, persons with disabilities,
and families with children," said Arlene Patton, HUD's Spokane 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," said Judith Keeler, Director of Fair Housing for HUD in Region X.

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, which can be heard at www.hud.gov/news/campaign.cfm.

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, or on the Internet at www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

WASHINGTON STATE STOPS

Monday, April 19th

• Cle Elum: 11:00am at Safeway, 800 W. First.
• Ellensburg: 1:00pm at Safeway, 400 N. Ruby Street.
• Union Gap: 3:30pm at the Valley Mall (behind Miner's in the mall parking lot).

Tuesday, April 20th

• Sunnyside: 9:00am at the Mid Valley Mall (in The Valley's Market parking lot).
• Benton City: 11:30am at Desert Rose Terrace, 510 – 14th Street.
• Kennewick: 2:00pm at the Senior Center, 500 S. Auburn, adjacent to City Hall.

Tuesday, April 27th

• Pullman: 3:00pm at WSU Campus – east end of Terrell Mall, by Library Road.

Thursday, April 29th

• Spokane: 8:30am at the East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone.
• Spokane: 10:00am at Riverfront Park, Spokane Falls Blvd., between Stevens & Post.
• Moses Lake: 2:00pm at City Hall, 321 S. Balsam.
• Ephrata: 4:00pm at Swanson Addition, SW corner of Park Place & Lee Street.

Friday, April 30th

• Wenatchee: 10:00am at the Wenatchee Valley Mall (in the parking lot by Sears).

Van operated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

For more information, please call 1 (800) 877-0246 or visit www.hud.gov/washington.