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Office Of Human Affairs
"The American Dream of having a safe and decent place to call ‘home’ reflects our shared belief that in this nation opportunity and success are within everyone’s reach. Under the fair housing laws, every citizen is assured the opportunity to build a better life in the home or apartment of their choice-regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, family status, or disability."
Mel Martinez
HUD Secretary
Fair Housing- Equal Opportunity For All
Equal access to rental housing and home ownership opportunities is the cornerstone of the nation’s federal housing policy.
Housing discrimination is not only illegal – it contradicts in every way the principle freedom and opportunity we treasure as Americans.
The department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Office of Human Affairs (OHA) are committed to ensuring that, for everyone seeking a place to live, all housing is fair housing.
The Fair Housing Act of 1989
Becoming effective on March 12, 1989. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of:
Race
Color
National origin
Religion
Sex
Familial Status (Families with children under the age of 18 living with a parent or parents or legal custody: pregnant women and people securing custody of children under the age of 18).
Handicap (Disability)
Have your rights bee violated?
We are ready to help with any problem of housing discrimination. If you think your rights have been violated, you may write a letter or telephone the HUD office nearest you. You may also write or call the Office of Human Affairs and we will let you know what you need to file a proper compliant.
How Does The U.S. Department of Justice Play a Role?
Example: A builder aggresses to sell a house but after learning the buyer is African American, fails to keep the agreement. The buyer files complaint with their local HUD office. HUD then may authorize the Attorney General to go to the court to prevent a sale from any other buyer until HUD investigates the complaint.
What Happens After A Compliant Investigation?
If, after investigating your complaint, HUD finds reasonable cause that the discrimination has occurred, HUD will inform you that your case has been accepted. Your case will be heard within 120 days from the date the complaint was received. You or the respondant has the option for your case to be heard in Federal District court. Either way there is no cost to you.
The Administrative Hearing
Federal District Court
In addition you may also file legal suit
For further information to combat Housing Discrimination contact:
OHA Staff at
Clark Multi-Purpose Center
392 Maple Ave P.O. Box 37 Newport News, VA 23607
(757) 244-7547\ 643-4885\ 643-4086
E-mail: rterry@ohainc.org
Fair Housing Initiative Program Staff: Rosa Terry, Fair Housing Counselor; Marisol A. Ortiz, Housing Coordinator/Counselor; Dorothy Buchanan, Housing Counselor, and Emmagene W. Slade, Director of Housing Services.
Click on the shield to go to Program Directory page!
Last Updated: September 16, 2004
