The Fair Housing Act matters!

In honor of Black History month, we wanted to reflect on the importance of the Fair Housing Act. It has been instrumental in helping communities to be more vibrant, healthy, and diverse. Without it, Mercy Housing might not be in business. Our work isn’t done, but laws like these help to make neighborhoods stronger and more inclusive.

Where Did it Come from?

Hard work and fearlessness are where it came from. It took generations of people pushing for equal opportunity and fair housing. Following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination on April 4, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson got congressional approval and The Fair Housing Act was signed into law. Fair housing was one of the many issues that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pushed for during his prolific life and career.

Why so Important?

The Fair Housing Act protects the rights of everyone to live in a home no matter their background. Everyone hasn’t always had that opportunity.

What Is It?

“The 1968 Act expanded on previous acts and prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, (and as amended) handicap and family status.”— U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

*source: HUD.gov

Who Does it Affect?

Every single person in the United States of America. That’s 327.2 million people and counting!