The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has kicked off Fair Housing Month 2022.
HUD said this year’s theme, “Fair Housing: More Than Just Words,” underscores the Biden administration’s commitment and progress toward advancing equity in housing and securing equal access to housing opportunities for all.
“The Fair Housing Act recognized what generations have known – that where we live impacts nearly every part of our lives,” HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge said in a release. “Fair Housing Month is a time to recommit to our mission to promote fairness, inclusion, and justice in housing. This month and every month, we are doing everything in our power to ensure every person has a fair shot at the American dream.”
Each April, HUD, local communities, fair housing advocates and fair housing organizations across the country celebrate Fair Housing Month by hosting an array of fair housing activities that highlight fair housing enforcement efforts, enhance public awareness of fair housing rights, and emphasize the importance of creating diverse and inclusive communities.
The celebration began April 5 with a virtual event that featured Fudge, Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke; HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Demetria McCain; HUD General Counsel Damon Smith; and Executive Director of the Interagency Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity and FHEO Regional III Director Melody Taylor.
Meanwhile, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity has launched a Twitter and Facebook page to mark this year’s Fair Housing Month.
In 2021, HUD and its Fair Housing Assistance Program partner agencies received more than 8,500 complaints alleging discrimination based on one or more of the Fair Housing Act’s seven protected classes: race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), family status and disability. Last year, the categories with the highest number of complaints were disability and race, respectively. HUD also received complaints alleging lending discrimination and numerous complaints from women who faced sexual harassment.
For a complete listing of HUD Fair Housing Month events and activities, go to: www.hud.gov/FHM2022.