Each April, Fair Housing Month is celebrated to reaffirm our commitment to ending housing discrimination and to commemorate the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act in 1968. This month can be celebrated in a number of ways, including getting involved with fair housing advocacy efforts in your community, committing to learning more about fair housing on your own, or supporting organizations and movements working for equitable solutions. There’s room for everyone to make a difference, but the first step in effecting any type of change is to listen and learn.
Before getting into the work, it is vitally important to gain a strong understanding of the history of housing discrimination and the issues fair housing advocates are working to address. This Fair Housing Month, we’re challenging you to take steps to increase your knowledge and understanding of fair housing issues.
Need some inspiration to get started? Below, we’ve put together a curated list of ideas for how you can increase your fair housing knowledge this month!
For Avid Readers…
If you are someone who enjoys a good book, check out our 2022 Fair Housing Reading List! Here, you’ll find our recommended reads for all ages, that explore topics related to fair housing and social justice.
For Research Lovers…
If numbers, stats, and research help you make sense of complex issues, take a look at The Fair Housing Center’s research and reports. In addition to our annual State of Fair Housing in Northeast Ohio report, we produce a variety of reports and publications examining fair housing and fair lending issues in the region, as well as foreclosure trends, subprime lending, and related matters.
For Care Providers…
Care providers — including social workers, mental health professionals, doctors, and other medical providers — can be influential in helping their clients and patients access fair housing. We’ve developed a fact sheet to break down how care providers can assist clients in getting requests for reasonable accommodations or modifications approved.
For Housing Providers, Renters, and Knowledge Seekers…
Whether you’re a housing provider, tenant, or just have a thirst for knowledge, check out our self-paced online fair housing trainings. These courses provide a comprehensive overview of fair housing law, emerging issues, and the goals of fair housing. Enroll in a course to get the training you need from the comfort of your own home.
For Fair Housing Advocates…
If you consider yourself to be a fair housing advocate (which, if you’re reading this, we hope you do), we recommend learning more about fair housing by taking a look at our fair housing resources. From fact sheets and brochures to more comprehensive booklets and guides, we have resources for everyone to learn more about their fair housing rights.