ANCHORAGE – To recognize the anniversary of the passing of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz proclaims April 2016 Fair Housing Month in Anchorage.
The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate in the sale or rental of housing based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, familial status or disability. The State of Alaska Human Rights Law adds marital status, changes in marital status and age. In addition, Title V of the Anchorage Municipal Code prohibits housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
During the month of April, the Municipality of Anchorage is partnering with Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) to educate the public and housing providers about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act.
“Everyone needs housing and no one should be discriminated against. The more that housing providers know their rights and responsibilities, the better we can be sure that prospective tenants and homeowners rent or buy a home on merit,” stated Mayor Berkowitz.
"The Fair Housing Act provides a level playing field in which the Anchorage community, and all Alaskans, get to choose where to live, where to raise a family or own their own home, and to be treated with dignity and without fear of discrimination in their housing needs, said AHFC CEO Bryan Butcher. “Alaska Housing is pleased to support the Fair Housing Act and its mission on its 48th anniversary."
Anchorage Fair Housing Month will include activities that enhance awareness of fair housing rights, highlight fair housing enforcement efforts, and emphasize the importance of ending housing discrimination.
“This year marks the 48th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, but the unfortunate reality is that far too many people continue to experience illegal housing discrimination,” said Nikole Nelson, Executive Director of ALSC. “By joining cities across the country in celebrating Fair Housing Month, Anchorage is affirming its commitment to being an open, accessible, and inclusive community.”
To find a list of upcoming Fair Housing Month activities please visit http://www.fairhousingalaska.org/events/.
Events will include:
The Fair Housing Poster Contest, open to children in grades K-8, click here for more information.
April 7, 2016, 12:00 - 2:00 pm The Fair Housing Act: A Practical Guide to Leasing & Operating Apartment Rentals Kinley’s Restaurant, 3230 Seward Highway, Anchorage, click here for more information.
April 18, 2016, 7:00 - 8:30 pm Basics of Fair Housing Presentation at NAACP General Membership Meeting 324 E. 5th Ave., Anchorage, click here for more information.
April 20, 2016, 6:00 - 7:30 pm Fair Housing Movie Screening and Poster Contest Awards Rasmuson Hall, Room 101, 3416 Seawolf Dr., Anchorage, click here for more information.
April 29, 2016, 12:00 - 1:00 pm Basics of Fair Housing Presentation Mountain View Brach Library, 120 Bragaw St., Anchorage, click here for more information.
For more information, please contact Tom Edmiston of ALSC at (907) 272-9431.
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