April 2022 marks the 54th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. The bill, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson made it unlawful to discriminate in housing transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or family status. Over the years, there have been additional updates and protections added at both the federal and state level to further enhance everyone’s right to fair housing without discrimination.
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) is committed to equity in making policy decisions as well as in the administration of all housing programs and services. Together with the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development, the FCRHA has made several advancements towards enhancing equity as a component of all its operations, including:
- Adopting the One Fairfax Policy for Racial and Social Equity (March 2019)
- Is participating with other area jurisdictions as part of the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments in completing a Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice and the development of a Regional Housing Equity Plan
- Instituting, with other Fairfax County agencies, an Annual Equity Impact Plan to strategically address issues of equity in various program, policy, and administrative functions
- Became the first Fairfax County Agency to complete an Equity Impact Statement with action items provided to the Board of Supervisors
“In keeping with our fundamental belief that housing is an essential human right, it simply follows that the right is extended to all, regardless of race, economic status, ability or disability, sexual preference, or any other protected class,” said FCRHA Chairman Melissa McKenna. “Enhancing equity in housing leads to enhanced equity in opportunity for employment, education, financial growth, transportation, and connectivity to the wealth of experiences and advantages available to us in Fairfax County.”
Where Can Victims of Discrimination Turn?
The Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs enforces the county’s Human Rights Ordinance and the Fair Housing Act. Individuals who feel they have been a victim of housing discrimination and would like to file a complaint may do so online or by calling 703-324-2953, TTY 711.
Celebrate Fair Housing Month with HUD!
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be hosting a virtual ceremony to commemorate Fair Housing Month 2022! The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, April 5, at 2 p.m. Online registration is required.
Speakers will include:
- Marcia L. Fudge, HUD Secretary
- Demetria L. McCain, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
- Damon Smith, General Counsel, HUD
- Melody Taylor, Executive Director of the Interagency Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity
- Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Justice
- Lena Albibi, Program Analyst, HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
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