Fair Housing Educational Guide
An educational guide for identifying, reporting and preventing housing discrimination.
Purpose
To ensure equal opportunity in housing for all persons regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, familial status, handicap, age, ancestry and use of guide or support animals because of the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals.
Utility Assistance Program
If you live in a low-income household or are undergoing a hardship, you may qualify for support in paying utility bills. Most electric, gas, water, phone, and internet companies offer assistance programs.
Analysis of Impediments
Know your rights under federal and state laws regarding discrimination. Impediments are discriminatory actions taken which restrict one’s access to housing.
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice:
Laws & Rights
Learn more about federal and state Fair Housing laws.
Affordable Housing Options
According to HUD, households paying in excess of 30% of their household income towards housing costs (renter or owner) are said to be cost burdened. Know what assistance programs are out there for housing affordability, temporary shelter, utilities, and weatherization.
Housing Quality
Home repair and maintenance assistance programs to improve health and safety Recovery and Revitalization programs for flood areas Tenant rights – did you know it is illegal to retaliate against a person for filing a discriminatory complaint?
Know your Tenant Rights through the pandemic.
Bias & Discrimination
Criminal acts and discrimination based on race, color, religion or national origin, or low income could limit access to Fair Housing.
Financial Literacy
Financial aid resources and counseling programs:
Lack of Access to Opportunities
Learn how the SEDA-COG Region is trying to bridge the gap between transportation, housing and employment opportunities.
Persons with disabilities have a right to request reasonable accommodations.