|
|
|
Insight Spring 2002 |
| |
|
Celebrating Fair
Housing Month |
|
By Grace Andriette, Esq. |
| |
|
The Erie County Fair
Housing Partnership, Inc. again encourages Western New Yorkers to
participate in the recognition of National Fair Housing Month during the
month of April. While many of us in recent months have reflected upon the
ideals of our nation and the privileges and rights we enjoy as its
citizens, the fact remains that many of us face obstacles in achieving the
"American Dream." Discrimination continues to act as a deterrent to
achieving our national goal of equal access to housing.
Discrimination
in the sale, rental, and advertising in housing is unlawful. We are all
protected by a set of federal and state laws that require that our
citizens be treated equally and that prohibit housing discrimination based
upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, disability,
marital status or familial status. Through the enforcement of these laws,
and education about these rights and their importance, we can work
together towards building a society where quality, affordable housing is
available to all and the achievement of our national goals is not thwarted
by discrimination. To raise awareness of
these issues and other related problems such as predatory lending and the
lack of quality affordable housing, the Erie County Fair Housing
Partnership and its members have planned a series of events this April A
brief listing follows. |
| |
| April 13 from 9:00 a.m. –
2:00 p.m. |
| Healthy Kids Day |
|
Humboldt YMCA |
|
347 E Ferry Street Buffalo |
| |
|
Various activities for families and
children to promote a healthy lifestyle. Fair housing month activities
include art projects and storytelling.
Contact: Kendall Burwell 883-9622 |
| |
| April 18 5:30 p.m. |
| HOME 39th
Annual Meeting and Dinner |
Rich Renaissance Niagara
1 West Ferry Street, Buffalo
|
| |
| April 20 11:00 a.m.
- 4:00 p.m. |
| The Affordable Home Show
|
| Erie Community College City
Campus |
| 121 Ellicott, Buffalo |
| Over 50 different housing,
lending, and fair housing organizations will be present. Some introductory
workshops on fair housing, credit, predatory lending, and home ownership
will be offered. The day will begin with a performance by the HOME
Players. |
| |
| Predatory
Lending Training Session sponsored by the
Erie County Fair Housing Partnership |
| Contact: Grace Andriette at
(716) 847-0650 |
| |
| April 22-April 30
|
| Fair Housing Display
|
|
Buffalo
Erie County Public Library
Main Branch |
|
Display includes free literature on
recognizing and responding to housing discrimination, tenant screening,
and other fair housing related topics. A bibliography of materials on
civil rights and fair housing topics found in the library will also be
available. |
| |
| April 24th at
7 pm. |
| The Second Annual Fair
Housing Month Film Screening: “Men of Honor” |
| Dipson Market Arcade |
| |
| Fair Housing Month
Proclamations by local municipalities throughout the month |
|
The Fair Housing
Partnership is also pleased to announce the creation of "DOTS", a picture
book designed for children and written by Gary Ross and illustrated by
Anwar Morse for the Partnership. "DOTS" will be available for distribution
late this Spring.
The members of the Fair Housing Partnership
invite all Western New Yorkers to take part in this year’s scheduled
activities. HOME and the Fair Housing Partnership also have speakers
available throughout the year to talk on a wide range of fair housing
related issues. The HOME Players, HOME’s improvisational theatre group, is
also available to perform and discuss scenarios dealing with housing
discrimination.
According to Scott Gehl of Housing
Opportunities Made Equal "Discrimination is unfair, un-American and
against the law. It is incumbent upon us all to recognize its impact and
to work for its eradication." |
| |
|
|
|
[Top of Page] |
| |
