Richland County is celebrating Fair Housing Month in April by raising awareness about the importance of equal and fair housing for everyone.
On Tuesday, Richland County Council Chair Joyce Dickerson, District 2, presented a resolution to Richland County Community Development Manager Valeria Jackson, S.C. Human Affairs Commission Commissioner Ray Buxton and Columbia Housing Authority Executive Director Gilbert Walker. The resolution praised the commitment of these agencies to operate in tandem to provide fair housing resources to residents.
Fair Housing Month is celebrated in April to mark the passage of the 1968 Fair Housing Act on April 11, 1968, shortly after the assassination of King – a civil rights leader and equal housing advocate. The federal act prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and family status.
“This resolution was read on the same date as the 49th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination,” Jackson said. “How befitting of his legacy.”
As part of its campaign to protect equal housing rights for residents, Richland County Community Development submitted a joint Assessment of Fair Housing to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) this year. The assessment, which was completed with assistance from the S.C. Human Affairs Commission and the Columbia Housing Authority, identifies challenges and strengths specific to Richland County communities and establishes policies and outreach initiatives to secure fair housing opportunities for every Richland County resident.
“Richland County Community Development was the first in South Carolina to complete this new assessment,” Jackson said. “This tool brings together joint and regional collaborations between different bodies to ensure meaningful practices are adhered to for fair housing choices within our County.”