Fair Housing

WHAT IS FAIR HOUSING?

Fair Housing is the right for all people to live wherever they choose, to have access to housing (seek, purchase, sell, lease or rent) and enjoy the full use of their homes without unlawful discrimination, interference, coercion, threats, or intimidation by owners, landlords, real estate agents, or any other persons.

Fair housing goes beyond a physical structure as it includes an open and inclusive housing market that fulfills the diverse needs of all community residents. The aim of fair housing laws is to ensure equitable access to quality housing, high-achieving schools, employment opportunities, transportation options, banking services, grocery stores, retail, public services, and public space. Local governments reap benefits from promoting integration by lowering costs for social services, improving revenues through strong property values, and providing a desirable community where households and businesses can thrive. 

Park Forest is committed to maintaining active roles with organizations that support fair housing and fight against housing inequalities.  Therefore, we remain active in memberships, conferences, and workshops with several organizations where their day-to-day goals are to inform those of their rights and fight for those otherwise. 

The Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance (CAFHA) and the South Suburban Housing Center are committed to affirmatively furthering fair housing through housing counseling, fair housing enforcement programs, education, and advocacy. 

FAIR HOUSING CHOICE

Fair housing choice encompasses actual choice, which means the existence of realistic housing options; protected choice, which means housing that can be accessed without discrimination; and enabled choice, which means realistic access to sufficient information regarding options so that any choice is informed. For persons with disabilities, fair housing choice and access to opportunity include access to accessible housing and housing in the most integrated setting appropriate to an individual’s needs.

Source: brla.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2531/Fair-Housing-Brochure-PDF