Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
description
Transcript of Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
Fair Housing Continuum, Inc.AD Escander, Fair Housing Specialist
Ensure Equal Housing Opportunity and
Eliminate Discrimination in Florida
• Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Fair Housing Initiative Program (FHIP)
• Established and incorporated in Brevard County, October 1994
• Became a not for profit, 501(c)(3) organization in 1995
• Assist community leaders and industry to develop strategies to “affirmatively further fair housing”
• Enhance knowledge and awareness of fair housing issues
• Provide overall fair housing assistance• Resolve fair housing complaints
• Conciliate• Mediate• Litigate
HUD investigates more than 10,000 fair housing complaints annually
An effective Analysis of Impediment to fair housing choice can help in lowering complaints
Conduct an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI)
Take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of impediments identified through the AI
Maintain records reflecting the analysis and actions
Bring stakeholders to the table to discuss areas of concern in order to better identify impediments to Fair Housing Choice
The guide explains that analyzing fair housing impediments and taking appropriate actions means:
◦ Eliminating housing discrimination in the jurisdiction
◦ Promoting fair housing choice for all
◦ Providing housing opportunities for people of all races, colors, religions, genders, national origins, family status, and disabilities
◦ Promoting housing that is structurally usable by all people, particularly those with disabilities
◦ Fostering compliance with the nondiscrimination features of the Fair Housing Act
The jurisdiction should update its AI, at least once every 3 to 5 years (consistent with the Consolidated Plan cycle) to reflect the current fair housing situation in its communities.
Limited information regarding the research methodology used to conduct the AI, including actions taken for citizen participation
Limited information regarding the jurisdiction's overall fair housing profile, including the nature of the housing discrimination complaints filed
The jurisdiction’s demographics
The findings resulting from focus group meetings
Affordable housing (should be in every AI)
Housing profiles
Income and employment data
Lending practices and HMDA data
Population maps (including Areas of Minority Concentration)
Information on and services to persons with disabilities, families with children and homeless persons
Results of FHIP Grants and Fair Housing Testing
Impediments not clearly stated
No proposed corrective action to address each impediment
AI did not include the required Summary Matrix specifically identifying each impediment and the timeframe for completing the corrective actions for each impediment
AI does not discuss the process for monitoring the progress in carrying out each action and evaluating its effectiveness, to include the identification of the individuals/entity responsible for this monitoring process
AI did not indicate the specific source of funding
AI did not include an executed signature page
Date not displayed on the AI cover page and in the Introduction/Executive Summary section
Pages are not numbered in the AI, and some that are do not agree with the Table of Content
“Falsity” of Certifying Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing includes:◦ Lack of an Action Plan◦ Identify shortage of affordable housing as an
impediment, yet allow NIMBYism◦ Less than 5% of CDBG clearly not enough◦ Less than 15% of CDBG probably not enough◦ Poster contest, proclamation, poster not
acceptable as an Action Plan
HUD Fair Housing Assistance Programs (FHAP) Fair Housing Initiative Programs (FHIP) Fair Housing Consultants Attorneys with fair housing knowledge Realtors Mortgage Loan Consultants
Most enforcement FHIPs have a testing program
Most enforcement FHIPs contract with HUD to conduct fair housing testing
HUD funding for testing is limited therefore jurisdictions should consider funding jurisdictional testing
Testing is the most reliable way to check the housing market for compliance of the FHA
Long term Testing in the jurisdictions will provide reliable data of housing trends and areas which may need additional attention from the jurisdictions
FHIP testing programs can test the housing market for all federally protected categories and local protected categories:
Federal & StateRaceColorReligionNational OriginGenderFamilial StatusDisability
Local JurisdictionsMarital StatusSource of IncomeMilitarySexual OrientationAge
What areas should be tested:
◦ Housing (single family homes, condominiums, apartment complexes, mobile homes, etc.)
◦ Real Estate Advertising
◦ Mortgage Lending Companies
◦ Homeowner Insurance Companies
◦ Vacant land for residential use
◦ Multifamily dwellings for accessibility
Volume 2, Chapter 7, Section 7.A; Fair Housing Planning Guide: Education and Outreach Activities
Fact SheetsBookletsPostersBillboardsBus Cards
Public Service AnnouncementsNewspaper ArticlesNews lettersFair Housing Information DVDsFirst Time Homebuyer Programs
Basic Fair Housing Law
Housing for Older Persons
Fair Housing Advertising
Fair Housing for Persons with Disabilities
◦ Reasonable Modifications/Accommodations
Fair Housing Accessibility Requirements
Fair Housing Enforcement
First Time Homebuyers
Refusal to accept Section 8 vouchers is an impediment to fair housing and should be in every Analysis of Impediments
If the AI and Comp Plan state that the lack of affordable housing is an issue, then resistance from local governments to affordable housing development is in direct conflict with Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
Adopting a Fair Housing Ordinance Identifying segregated neighborhoods Ensuring community sustainability Addressing obstacles or obstructions created
to impede affordable housing projects Continuing with programs that facilitate
homeownership Equitable maintenance and marketing of
foreclosed homes Enforcement against those promoting
practices that violate FHA
Best PracticesBest Practices
Location:
4760 N. US Hwy. 1, Suite 203, Melbourne, FL 32935Telephone:
1- 888-264-5619 or (321) 757-3532Fax:
(321) 757-3535Email:
www.fairhousingcontinuum.org