Senior citizens have rights and protections when it comes to housing. That’s the message the City of Minneapolis wants seniors to hear this April, which is Fair Housing Month. And in recognition of 40th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act, a dialogue and networking session for providers that work with seniors and housing will be held at City Hall. The meeting is sponsored by the Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support, Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Housing Authority, and HUD.
Senior housing session
Thursday, April 17, 2008
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Room 241 of Minneapolis City Hall
350 S. Fifth St.
Space is limited, so please RSVP by calling (612) 673-2301
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination by landlords, real estate companies, lenders, and others because of race, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. While age is not a protected category under the federal law, the Minneapolis Civil Rights Ordinance specifically includes age as one of the categories that is protected against discrimination, including housing discrimination.
The Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support and Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights play an important role in helping seniors with housing issues. City staffers will answer calls from seniors who believe they have been discriminated against and are protected under the law, either because of age, disability, or possibly race or national origin. In some cases, discrimination complaints can be filed with the City’s Civil Rights Department. Seniors who are experiencing issues with their landlord or who feel they’ve been discriminated against can contact a housing advocate who can help answer questions by calling (612) 673-3003.
April 1, 2008