April is National Fair Housing Month
Dothan Housing Fair Housing Month Events Available to the Public
Dothan Ala.-– Dothan Housing (DH) proudly celebrates National Fair Housing Month in April! The agency will participate in National Fair Housing Month festivities and work with community partners to host two local events open to the public. Fair Housing Month is a beautiful time to educate the Wiregrass Metropolitan Area on the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the protections from discrimination offered when renting or buying a home.
In conjunction with community partners, the agency will host a Fair Housing Training Symposium for housing and community professionals on Thursday, April 6, 2023, on Troy University Dothan’s campus within Sony Hall. The event will include two fair housing panel discussions and a Continuing Education Credit Eligible fair housing training in closing. This entire day will last from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, with a light continental breakfast available at 9:30 am. Lunch will be provided to attendees, and this event is FREE, but registration is mandatory via the Southeast Alabama Association of REALTORS® (SAAR) or by visiting Click Here. This event could not be possible without the following partners:
- Southeast Alabama Association of REALTORS®
- City of Dothan
- Community 1st Real Estate
- All in Credit Union
- Interlinc® Mortgage
Later in the month, on Thursday, April 27, 2023, the community Fair Housing Symposium will culminate the month’s fair housing events. DH invites residents and the public to attend from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Our Community Housing and Enrichment Center (OCHEC) on 1001 Montana Street, Dothan, AL 36303, to receive fair housing information and ask questions to community housing professionals. All attendees will receive refreshments at this FREE and engaging community event.
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 was passed under the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson after several years of peaceful protests within the Chicago, IL area by civil rights activists that included Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and groups such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Upon the death of Dr. King, President Johnson pushed Congress to pass the legislation and was successful. Since then, it has protected the housing rights of all, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) continues to examine and provide associated rulings and policies such as the Discriminatory Effects Rule and Affirming Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) to enhance protections.
This year, Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation declaring April Fair Housing Month in Alabama. For more information regarding National Fair Housing month, activities, or Dothan Housing’s commitment to educating the public on fair housing, do not hesitate to reach Leah Gunn, Communications Coordinator, at 334-589-3357 or via email at [email protected].
