APRIL IS FAIR HOUSING MONTH!
Reprinted with permission from Human Rights Review
Albuquerque's mayor, Jim Baca has proclaimed April 2001 Fair Housing Month in the city of Albuquerque. In his Executive Order, the Mayor emphasizes that the city of Albuquerque is committed to equal opportunity and equal access to housing. In the Executive Order, available in Spanish and Vietnamese, Mayor Baca reminds us that fair housing is a right protected by the Albuquerque Human Rights Ordinance, and by state and federal law.
April 2001 is the 33rd anniversary of the US Fair Housing Act and the 13th anniversary of the Fair Housing Amendments. Annually, in April, a national effort is launched to celebrate the anniversary and to educate the public about their rights to housing and to inform the country of enforcement of fair housing laws.
Fair Housing Advocates Reconvene to Plan Activities for April.
Albuquerque's celebration is a collaborative effort between fair housing partners, human rights groups, disability rights groups, affordable housing programs, homeless organizations, the Mortgage Finance Authority, the Albuquerque Board of Realtors, the New Mexico Apartment Association, tenant's rights groups, and others. Housing advocates in Albuquerque have been meeting for the past few months to plan the celebration. They have planned a three-part approach to the commemoration activities: a kick-off celebration, a fair housing expo, and the publication of a calendar.
Kick Off Celebration - Fair Housing Expo
The major event, sponsored by the Albuquerque Human Rights Office, will kick-off the month with a Fair Housing Expo at Coronado Center on Saturday, March 31, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Approximately twenty housing advocates will host exhibit booths which will provide information on their programs and services. Multi-cultural performing artists will entertain the Mall crowds throughout the day. Drawings will be held for prizes and Mall merchandise.
Calendar of Events
The last piece is a calendar of events, published by the Albuquerque Human Rights Office and the Mortgage Finance Authority, promoting all commemorative activities being celebrated in Albuquerque with an open invitation to the public. To receive a calendar of events call the Human Rights Office at 924-3380. (Protection and Advocacy is sponsoring a Fair Housing Seminar on April 27. See information on this page.)
Fair Housing is the Law!
The Albuquerque Human Rights Office, in partnership with the other advocates, strives to assure housing opportunities throughout the city while also combating discrimination, not just in April, but throughout the year.