Latest news with #NationalFairHousingMonth
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Daytona housing fair aims to help first-time buyers, those seeking to avoid foreclosure
DAYTONA BEACH — With potentially massive budget cuts looming for federal programs that help first-time homebuyers as well as struggling homeowners seeking to avoid foreclosure, the annual Daytona Beach Housing Fair & Financial Wellness Clinic is needed more than ever, its organizers say. This year's event, which is free and open to the general public, will take place on Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Allen Chapel AME Church at 580 George W. Engram Blvd. in Daytona Beach. The housing fair will offer up-to-date information on available resources, one-on-one counseling, and mini-classes on topics such as how to build good credit, navigating the home-buying process, and foreclosure prevention. "The purpose of the event is to educate the public," said Lydia Gregg, executive director of the nonprofit Mid-Florida Housing Partnership, which puts on the annual housing fair in partnership with the City of Daytona Beach. The yearly event is held each April in observance of National Fair Housing Month and the enacting of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, familial status or religion when it comes to selling or renting housing units or providing mortgage loans or insurance policies for homes. MFHP recently held a similar housing fair in Palm Coast that drew more than 100 people. "This event is for the homebuyer, particularly first-time homebuyers. It's also for the homeowner who is looking for the resources that might help them save their home," said Gregg. The event will offer a wide range of experts including MFHP and City of Daytona Beach staff, Realtors, home inspectors, lenders from financial institutions, and insurance industry professionals. "They'll all be there to answer questions and teach classes," said Gregg. "We're also bringing back the very popular free-credit pools so participants will be able to pull their credit reports, completely free of charge with no impact to their credit score." The federal government is currently undergoing massive budget cuts across the board. Looming potential cuts, both in funding and staffing, to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development could hit close to home for many in Florida. Both the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program (S.H.I.P.) and Home Investment Partners program (commonly referred to as "Home Money") rely on federal funding for the grants that the state and local governments use to create affordable housing and provide down-payment assistance programs. "We get several calls a week from people reaching out for help for the first time, people at risk of losing their home," said Gregg. MFHP board member Lucy Stewart-Desmore, a broker associate with LPT Realty, said she has been getting an increasing number of people turning to her for advice because "they've gotten into a bad spot." The problem, Stewart-Desmore said, is that people often wait until it's too late to avoid losing their homes to foreclosure. "Especially when it comes to property ownership, you've got to keep up with every little thing," she said. Addressing problems early on can make a huge difference. It is also important to know what resources are out there that homeowners and prospective homebuyers can tap — if they act now, said Gregg and Stewart-Desmore. "I don't want to say that the sky is falling, but it would be a mistake to assume that there will always be those programs out there," said Gregg. "We're in a time of change and uncertainty like never before." For details, visit the Mid-Florida Housing Partnership's website at or call 386-274-4441. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona housing fair aims to inform first-time buyers, existing owners
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
More Buffalonians to be protected from housing discrimination with new legislation
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Fair Housing law expansions were passed earlier this month to guarantee protection for more Buffalonians with minority status, according to a spokesperson with the Buffalo Common Council. The laws now cover those with disabilities, those apart of the LGBTQ+ community, those from other countries, and those who require housing vouchers or public assistance. Race, religion, and national identity are already protected by the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The legislation was passed on April 1, the first day of National Fair Housing Month. 'This critical legislation will give the City of Buffalo's Fair Housing law teeth to ensure that everyone in Buffalo is treated equally when purchasing or renting a home,' said Fair Housing Officer Harold Cardwell, Jr. 'The ability to find safe and sustainable housing of your choice is an inalienable human right.' Realtors and landlords in the city will be required to make 'reasonable' accommodations for those with disabilities, including equal housing language and symbols. In addition, exclusions will be removed for those who own fewer than 20 housing units and fines will be increased for first-time and repeat violations. More time will be given to resolve accusations. 'The ugly legacy of housing discrimination can be seen in cities across the nation, and we see its toxic aftermath in the disparities that impact black communities and low-income households here in the City of Buffalo,' said Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope. 'With this legislation, we will help ensure that no Buffalonian is denied fair access to housing simply for being who they are.' Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fair Housing Month: Abilene takes a stand against discrimination
ABILENE, Texas () – April is National Fair Housing Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness of housing rights and ending discrimination. Now, Abilene is joining the effort by officially proclaiming April as Fair Housing Month in the city. This year marks the 57th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, a law that established a national policy against housing discrimination. On April 1, Abilene Mayor Weldon Hurt issued a proclamation recognizing Fair Housing Month in the city. Trump administration looks to slash HUD workers tackling the housing crisis 'As mayor and on behalf of the city council, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Abilene Association of Realtors for their unwavering commitment to fair housing,' Hurt said. 'The citizens of Abilene proudly proclaim April 2025 as Fair Housing Month.' Hurt also emphasized the Abilene Association of Realtors' dedication to promoting the Fair Housing Act by addressing discrimination, supporting educational programs, and advocating for equal housing opportunities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
