City of Dothan Declares April Fair Housing Month in Proclamation
Dothan Housing Powers Forward for National Fair Housing Month
Dothan Ala.-– Dothan Housing (DH) continues to celebrate National Fair Housing Month in April proudly! During the city’s regularly scheduled commission meeting this morning, Mayor Mark Saliba read the proclamation declaring April Fair Housing Month in the City of Dothan. This was a unique collaboration between Dothan Housing and the City of Dothan, with an underlying goal of educating the public on the importance of policies and laws associated with fair housing. Fair Housing Month is a beautiful time to inform the Wiregrass Metropolitan Area about the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the protections from discrimination offered when renting or buying a home.
Earlier this month, Dothan Housing, and community partners, that included the City of Dothan held its first-ever Fair Housing Training Symposium at Troy University. The event was a great success and successfully educated over 60 agencies, REALTORS®, and housing professionals from the Wiregrass area. Community partners included:
- Southeast Alabama Association of REALTORS®
- Community 1st Real Estate
- All in Credit Union
- Interlinc® Mortgage
To culminate Fair Housing Month, on Thursday, April 27, 2023, the community Fair Housing Symposium will take place. Dothan Housing 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 about fair housing concerns 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.
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].
