In celebration of Fair Housing Month in Idaho, IHFA will host Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST training Tuesday, April 20 and Wednesday, April 21 at the Morrison- Knudsen Plaza Auditorium in Boise.
Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST is an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to promote compliance with the Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements. Housing professionals involved in design and construction, remodeling or plan review are encouraged to attend the free workshops. Register online at www.fairhousingfirst.org
"We're pleased to help bring this exceptional training to Southwest Idaho," says Julie Williams, IHFA's Vice President, Community Housing Services. "Of all the presenters we've seen over the years, this group provides the most comprehensive and practical tools for housing professionals. This is a great way to ensure that more housing and community resources are accessible to all Idahoans. By reducing potential violations we can also help contain costs for housing consumers and providers alike."
As the lead organization on housing policy issues in Idaho, IHFA frequently partners with HUD and others to provide fair housing and accessibility opportunities that target housing and community development professionals.
"Ensuring fair and equal access to housing is everyone's responsibility," adds IHFA's President and Executive Director Gerald Hunter. "Because understanding, interpretation and application of fair-housing law continues to evolve, it is critical to provide current information to housing stakeholders."
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap. Lack of knowledge regarding the law and its application can result in housing discrimination. Unfair housing practices cause a lack of housing options for Idaho families, undermining family and community stability.
For more information on the training or to register, visit www.fairhousingfirst.org. For more information on the Fair Housing Act and Fair Housing activities during the month of April, visit IHFA's Web site at www.ihfa.org/research_fairhousing.asp. IHFA's Housing Information and Resource Center is also available to answer questions, toll-free at 1-877-438-4472.
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