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AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING (AFFH)

 WHAT IS AFFH?

 Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, known as the Fair Housing Act, requires HUD and recipients of federal funds from HUD to affirmatively further  the policies and purposes of the Fair Housing Act, also known as “affirmatively further fair housing” or “AFFH.” The obligation to affirmatively further fair housing requires recipients of HUD funds to take meaningful actions, in addition to combating discrimination, that overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected characteristics, which are: Race, Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), Color, Familial status, National origin, Disability, Religion.

Generally, in administering programs and activities relating to housing and community development, the federal government, HUD, and its recipients must:

• Determine who lacks access to opportunity and address any inequity among protected class groups
• Promote integration and reduce segregation
• Transform racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty into areas of opportunity

Pronouns - "Whatever pronoun you use, the law is pro you. You're protected by the Fair Housing Act. If you've experienced housing discrimination because of your gender identity, report it to the Fair Housing Law Center. 877-725-4472 or visit fhlaw.org.

Nonbinary - "It's illegal to deny someone a housing opportunity because of their gender identity. Report housing discrimination to the Fair Housing Law Center at 877-725-4472 or visit fhlaw.org."

Sexual orientation - "It's illegal under the Fair Housing Act to deny you housing opportunities because of your sexual orientation. If you believe you've experienced housing discrimination, please call the Fair Housing Law Center at 877-725-4472 or visit fhlaw.org."Sexual orientation-family - "When a Realtor suggests the perfect "gay neighborhood" and steers your family based on sexual orientation, it's a violation of the Fair Housing Act.

It is against the law to be denied access to housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.  But how do you know if discrimination is actually occurring according to the Federal Fair Housing Laws?  And how would you know if the way you manage your housing related business does no violate these laws?

The City of Altoona's Fair Housing Program provides educational information and outreach programs to tenants, landlords, lending institutions, housing managers, contractors and anyone in the housing business regarding the Federal Fair Housing Laws.

The Fair Housing Program is committed to raising the level of awareness to the residents and businesses of the City of Altoona with respect to their rights and responsibilities under the Federal Fair Housing Act.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of:

• • Race or Color
  • National Origin
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Disability

Familial Status (families with children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians: pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18)

Any person wishing to file a housing discrimination complaint may do so with the assistance of the Fair Housing Administrator (FHA). The FHA will review the complaint, make recommendations and provide help with filing a discrimination complaint.

Funding for the City of Altoona's Fair Housing Program is provided by Community Development Block Grant funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Anyone who feels that their fair housing rights have been violated based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability, should contact the Fair Housing Office at 814-949-2537 or FAX to 814-949-0372 or complete the Fair Housing Discrimination Contact E-Form.

For more information about the Fair Housing Act go to: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp.

To contact the City of Altoona's Fair Housing Program, call 814-949-2537 or complete the Fair Housing Contact E-Form.