April 15, 2015 marks the 47th anniversary of the passage of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, which is well known as the Fair Housing Act.
The Act outlaws discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing, because of race, color, ancestral status, religion, sex, physical/mental disability, marital status, or national origin.
The Fair Housing Act reflects America’s willingness and determination to ensure that appropriate housing and services exist and are available to everyone, without discrimination. That includes the stages of life so one can remain in the community as they grow older. It enforces housing opportunities and supportive services for those who have mobility or sensory impairment, developmental or emotional disabilities, or mental illness. It allows low income working families to compete in the housing market, and provides affordable housing for these families to rent or buy.
On March 24, 2015, the Calvert Board of County Commissioners proclaimed the month of April as “Fair Housing Month” in Calvert County.
Margit Miller / Calvert Beacon