55th Anniversary of The Fair Housing Act

April 11^th, 2023, marks the fifty-fifth anniversary of the passage of the U.S. Fair Housing Law, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, which enunciates a national policy of Fair Housing without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability, and encourages fair housing opportunities for all citizens.

The Fair Housing Act has been an important piece of legislation in promoting equal access to housing and reducing discrimination. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that fair housing practices are being followed and that everyone has equal access to safe and affordable housing.

Understanding the history of the Fair Housing Act is crucial to recognizing the progress that has been made and the challenges that still exist. The Act was passed in response to widespread discrimination in housing practices, such as redlining and racial steering, that had a disproportionate impact on minority communities. While progress has been made in combating these practices, discrimination and inequality still exist in the housing market today.

The Rockford Housing Authority believes that individuals, families, and the community must stay vigilant in the fight for fair and affordable housing. It is important that everyone understands how to recognize housing discrimination and how to act when they do. It’s important to understand and know one’s rights when a resident is looking to rent. RHA is also of the belief that more housing of all kinds be available in the Rockford area, in every neighborhood, available for all people, of all levels of income.

It is our continued mission is to provide opportunities to people who experience barriers to housing because of income, disability, or special needs. It is our goal to fulfill that mission in an environment which preserves personal dignity, and in a manner, which maintains the public trust.