By VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
April is National Fair Housing Month and the City of San Diego is offering
resources for residents, tenants and housing providers to ensure equal housing
opportunities are available in our communities.
National Fair Housing Month celebrates the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968. This
national law prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on
race, color, national origin, religion and gender. In the State of California, there are
additional protections for marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, source of income,
age or occupation.
The City is co-sponsoring the Ninth Annual Fair Housing Conference on April 17 and 18
along with the San Diego Regional Alliance for Fair Housing (SDRAFFH) and the San Diego
Housing Federation. Kim Desmond, Chief Race and Equity Officer for the City, will serve as
keynote speaker for the conference, which aims to explore critical fair housing issues with
the theme: “Fair Housing: Leveling the Playing Field.”
“In San Diego we believe that housing is a human right, and we want to help break
down barriers that have historically prevented access to adequate housing,” said
Desmond. “At the conference, we will focus on a comprehensive approach to housing
to increase availability and affordability and to address historic inequities that
created disparities and deterred opportunities to build generational wealth through
homeownership. Housing as a human right includes understanding how adequate
housing plays a significant role in providing access to city services, educational
opportunities, health care and economic stability needed for communities to thrive.”
People can register for the conference by visiting the City’s website. Fair housing providers,
developers and property managers are strongly encouraged to attend.
Housing providers can learn more about the Fair Housing Act and state and federal laws
related to housing discrimination by attending a free, two-hour webinar made possible
through the City’s Economic Development Department Fair Housing Program. This
workshop on April 24 will provide an opportunity to explore fair housing basics, disability related protections, source of income protections and more. Register to attend by visiting the City’s Fair Housing Program webpage.
“The City of San Diego has always stood for fair and equitable housing
opportunities,” said Christina Bibler, Director of the Economic Development
Department said. “It’s important that people know their rights and these
opportunities help our residents explore issues that affect housing in our city.”
The City of San Diego is committed to furthering fair housing efforts by promoting fair and
equal housing opportunities to its residents. In collaboration with the City, the Legal Aid
Society of San Diego offers free community outreach and legal services to anyone who
believes they have experienced housing discrimination harassment. The Fair Housing
Hotline is another resource that can be reached at 844-449-3500.
Funding for the City’s Fair Housing Program comes, in part, from Community Development
Block Grant funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/fairhousing
