|
As an
organization with forty years of experience, we pride ourselves on our
innovativeness and effectiveness in combating discrimination in our
community. Our efforts are recognized every time we hear the relief in
the voices of victims of discrimination who discover after going from
place to place that yes, we can actually help them. Recognition also
comes in the form of the solid support we receive from people like you in
our community. In June, our excellence was affirmed on a national level
as HOME received its second U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) Fair Housing Best Practices Award.
In a recent interview, a
coordinator of the award, Victoria Luna of the Equal Rights Center,
explained, “Programs that were selected for a Fair Housing Best Practice
Award for 2002 demonstrated unique and innovative approaches in exercising
to the maximum degree possible home seekers’ right to choice and housing
preference.” She then noted how HOME’s project, the Greater Buffalo
Community Housing Center made our programming stand out on a national
level, “Housing Opportunities Made Equal [matches the criteria for the
award] by assisting home seekers throughout the entire process including
providing transportation to view housing units, counseling on
landlord-tenant issues, and emotional support throughout the housing
search.”
In addition to the
Greater Buffalo Community Housing Center (CHC) which was singled out for
outstanding performance in expanding housing opportunities, we were also
lauded for our other inventive programs. One of these, the HOME Players,
uses performance and discussion to educate the public about fair housing
law and the impact of discrimination. Additionally, HOME published the
fourth edition of A Guide to Landlords’ Rights, a comprehensive
manual outlining essential landlord-tenant and fair housing law. Among
activities to ensure compliance of fair housing law was an investigation
of area apartment complexes for compliance with federal accessibly
requirements.
Executive director Scott
Gehl recently commented on the award noting, “We have been told both by
HUD and peer agencies that HOME does its work very well. Our productivity
is significant, investigations well regarded, and success rate high.” He
also noted that this award which carries no monetary award does not always
translate into critical funding for the agency.
Housing Opportunities
Made Equal is fortunate that value of our work is recognized on both a
local and national basis and it is only through the generosity of you our
members, government officials, corporate supporters, and concerned
neighbors that we are able to continue our critical work. As Gehl
observes, “While we do the work of HOME because of our clients, it is
reassuring to gain this recognition—especially given the caliber of some
other agencies… This Best Practices Award is one indication we are doing
something right.” |
