TOLEDO, OH. – The Fair Housing Center is excited to announce a series of community listening sessions aimed at identifying and addressing barriers to fair housing choice. We invite all residents and community leaders to participate in these sessions, share their experiences, and help shape the future of fair housing in our community.
Listening Session Dates and Times:
•Session 1: Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at the Mott Branch Library
•Session 2: Friday, July 26, 2024, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Lagrange Branch Library
•Session 3: Monday, July 29, 2024, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Birmingham Branch Library
Fair housing is a critical component of a just and equitable society. It ensures that everyone, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability, has the right to choose where to live without facing discrimination. These listening sessions are an opportunity for the community to voice their concerns, share their stories, and work together to eliminate the barriers to fair housing.
To encourage participation, we will be offering a $25 gift card giveaway at each listening session for those who complete a survey. Your feedback is invaluable and will directly contribute to our efforts in advocating for fair housing policies and practices.
Enacted in 1968, the Fair Housing Act has always required that local jurisdictions that receive federal funds Affirmatively Further Fair Housing. This means that communities, like Toledo, who receive funding from HUD must work proactively to eliminate barriers to fair housing choice. This includes a requirement that the jurisdiction complete an analysis of impediments to fair housing choice, to study the local barriers to fair housing choice. The Fair Housing Center completes this analysis for the City of Toledo. Previous analyses have identified issues like lead poisoning and source of income discrimination as barriers to fair housing choice in our area.
The voice from the community gathered at the focus group sessions will inform the City of Toledo’s analysis of barriers to fair housing choice. This is your chance to help our community affirmatively accomplish the goals of the Fair Housing Act.
Why Fair Housing Matters: Fair housing laws protect individuals and families from discrimination, ensuring everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. When fair housing is upheld, it promotes diverse, inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. It is essential for the social and economic well-being of our society, fostering equal opportunities in housing, education, employment, and more.
We want to hear from you – residents, community leaders, and stakeholders. Your input will help us understand the unique challenges faced by our community and guide our initiatives to promote fair housing choice for all.