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:

fairhousing32922@bellsouth.netWebsite:

www.fairhousingcontinuum.org