BOISE - "Fair Housing: It's Not an Option, It's the Law" is the theme for this year's Fair Housing Month, celebrated in April.

Fair Housing Month focuses on the Fair Housing Act, created to ensure equal housing access to all Americans, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, disability or familial status. Idaho Housing and Finance Association, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Idaho Department of Commerce & Labor, Intermountain Fair Housing Council, Idaho Legal Aid Services, and other housing partners statewide realize that Fair Housing is of continual importance, not just in April but year round.

Fair Housing Month activities kick off on April 6 with a free training presented by HUD at the Washington Group Plaza Auditorium in Boise. The event is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The morning features a Fair Housing Month Proclamation ceremony with Boise Mayor David Bieter and presentations by HUD Fair Housing Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Programs, Bryan Greene, and HUD Fair Housing Seattle Hub Director, Judith Keeler. An afternoon panel discussion will focus on Fair Housing Education and Outreach Exemplary Practices. For more information and online registration, go to www.hud.gov/idaho or contact HUD Idaho Field Office Director, Connie Hogland, at (208) 334-1088, Ext. 3002.

Fair housing training, outreach and compliance efforts help to make certain that all Idahoans have access to the housing of their choice. IHFA works with partners and stakeholders to provide ongoing support for fair housing and accessibility statewide.

"Our investment in fair housing education pays real dividends for providers and consumers alike," says Erik Kingston, IHFA housing resources coordinator. "Providers that understand their rights and responsibilities can avoid unintentional and costly violations. This means less money spent defending against complaints and enforcement actions--costs that are ultimately reflected in rents. Consumers clearly benefit when their rights are respected, and again when housing costs are kept affordable. While testing and enforcement are legitimate tools to focus attention on the law, education remains the 'ounce of prevention' we can all support."

Although the Fair Housing Act has not changed, interpretation and enforcement patterns have evolved over time, along with case law. For this reason, housing providers and professionals should view fair housing training as an ongoing, proactive process. The Intermountain Fair Housing Council, Idaho's local HUD contractor, offers technical assistance, training, self-testing and mediation services. They can be reached toll-free at 1-800-717-0695.

Congress created Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (known as the Fair Housing Act) following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A year later, the Idaho Legislature created the Human Rights Commission Act, prohibiting housing discrimination in Idaho.

For additional information on the Fair Housing Act and links to resources, please visit IHFA's Web site at www.ihfa.org/research_fairhousing.asp.

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The Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a financial services and housing business organization, provides funding for affordable housing in communities where it is most needed and when economically feasible.