Housing Authority of Travis County Recognizes April as Fair Housing Month
In commemoration of the 58th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, the Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC) is proud to join the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), along with community leaders and organizations across the nation, in recognizing April as Fair Housing Month.
This annual observance marks the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. HATC is committed to ensuring that all residents of Travis County have equal access to safe, affordable, and quality housing.
Fair Housing Month serves not only as a celebration but also as a crucial reminder of our ongoing responsibility to eliminate barriers to housing equality. We are dedicated to providing inclusive housing opportunities and enforcing policies that protect the rights of every individual in our community.
HATC encourages all to learn about their rights.
In the Austin-Travis County area, fair housing advocates focus on education, legal representation, and combating discrimination based on race, disability, sexual orientation, and conviction history. These organizations offer services such as fair housing testing, counseling, and legal aid for low-income residents.
Key Local Fair Housing Advocates & Resources
- Austin Tenants Council (ATC): Focuses on fair housing, education, and tenant-landlord mediation.
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA): Provides legal representation for low-income tenants facing discrimination, including eviction counseling.
- Austin Community Law Center: Campaigns for "Fair Chance Housing" to assist individuals with criminal records in finding housing.
- City of Austin Office of Civil Rights: Enforces local fair housing ordinances covering race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status.
- HousingWorks Austin: Advocates for policies that increase the supply of affordable housing throughout Central Texas.
Reporting Discrimination
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Region VI: Investigates complaints of housing discrimination.
- Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Civil Rights Division: Handles fair housing complaints and training.
- 2-1-1 Texas: Provides referrals to local tenant counseling agencies.
Sincerely,
Patrick B. Howard
CEO and Executive Director
