HUD MARKS NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH

“Fair Housing Equals Opportunity”

This year marks the 49th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, landmark legislation that became law on April 11, 1968. On April 4, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) kicked off Fair Housing Month 2017 at its national headquarters. This year’s theme is Fair Housing Equals Opportunity, highlighting equality in housing as a foundation upon which aspirations can be achieved and affirming the Fair Housing Act’s ongoing role in confronting housing discrimination.

The opening celebration included remarks by HUD Secretary Ben Carson and Malcolm “Mike” E. Peabody Jr., who devoted his federal career to finding viable solutions to challenging public policy issues. While serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing in the Nixon Administration, Mr. Peabody developed the blueprint for Housing Choice Vouchers, the federal housing voucher program giving low-income families greater housing options and formerly known as Section 8.

“Equal access to housing is a fundamental promise of America,” said HUD Acting Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Bryan Greene, who introduced the speakers. “When access to housing is unfairly limited, it, in turn, limits access to good paying jobs, quality schools, and economic opportunity.”

 To view the Fair Housing Act, please click here.