Idaho Fair Housing Month Activities

“Fair Housing Month is a time to recommit to our nation’s obligation to ensure that everyone has equal access to safe, affordable housing,” —HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge.

Idaho Fair Housing Forum members have long coordinated training and special events during Fair Housing Month, and 2021 is no different!

April 5 – Racism in Land Use discussing history, maps and redlining, restrictive deeds and CC&Rs, and FHA protections (hosted by the University of Idaho and the Intermountain Fair Housing Council). Learn more or register here.

April 6 – Basics of Fair Housing.* Attorney David Penny with Tomlinson & Associates provides an overview of the Fair Act and its implications for housing professionals in this online, 75-minute presentation.

April 13 – Fair Housing: Real Estate Focus.* Attorney David Penny with Tomlinson & Associates presents fair housing information for Real Estate Professionals in this online, 75-minute presentation.

April 20 – Fair Housing for Transitional Housing and Shelter Providers.* Attorney Eric Steven of Eric Steven Law Office in Spokane describes the unique challenges and best practices for those assisting unhoused populations.

April 27 – Limited English Proficiency Basics for Federally Assisted Programs and Services.* Gary Hanes of Gary E. Hanes & Associates, LLC will outline what managers of federally assisted programs—particularly assisted housing—should consider as they work to address clients, tenants or stakeholders with limited English proficiency, or LEP.

Gary Hanes_Things to Know About Language Access
FHIP intro slides_LEP 4_27_21
Session video
Chat file LEP session

View IHFA’s 2021 Fair Housing Videos here.*

Request IHFA Fair Housing Outreach Materials here.*

See HUD’s 2021 Fair Housing Month statements here.

*The work that provided the basis for these publications and training was supported by funding under a grant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government.

COVID19: Resources and information

What you need to know about the COVID19 pandemic in Idaho. How it impacts renters and homeowners, fair housing rights and responsibilities, and where to find official information on keeping yourself, your family and your community safe during the pandemic.

We’re all in this together.

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) has information for renters and owners using programs or services it administers.

The Intermountain Fair Housing Council has created an on-line informational resource for tenants impacted by the COVID19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn and layoffs. View their resource page here.

Idaho-based Gary E. Hanes and Associates is collecting links to COVID19 in multiple languages. View their resource page here.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has prepared information on the COVID19 outbreak for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals. See their informational page here.

Idaho’s Governor Brad Little declared a State of Extreme Emergency and issued a 21-day Stay At Home Order, closing down all non-essential businesses and services to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Read more at the state’s official COVID19 page.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is helping coordinate information and resource availability to respond to the CODIV19 outbreak. Homeless populations are among the most vulnerable to community spread and lack the ability to ‘stay at home.’ See their informational page here.

The National Low-Income Housing Coalition is also mobilizing resources and sharing strategies to address increasing housing challenges caused by the convergence of a historic housing crisis and the COVID19 pandemic. View their informational page here.

Idaho AHMA Presents LEP Training November 14th

Idaho Ahma logo.png Limited English Proficiency Webinar presented by Gwen Volk

SAVE THE DATE!
November 14, 2019
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Focus: HUD recently reminded us that failure to provide meaningful access to persons with Limited English Proficiency could be violation of the Fair Housing Act. Why? Because national origin is a protected class. HUD and RD properties are required to periodically look at the LEP profile of their residents and market area and update their plan to provide meaningful access. But even a tax credit or market rate property could be in trouble if LEP persons face barriers to applying. Come to this session and learn what to do about LEP.

Format: 90-minutes

Cost: $45 / IAHMA Members- $60 / Non-members

Register online: https://lep.eventzilla.net

You may register directly with IAHMA and save ticketing fees. Send registration list including names, business name, email address and phone number. it is especially important to have the email address of each registrant as that is used to provide the access code to the webinar.

Sponsored by Idaho Affordable Housing Management Association

About the Instructor: Since 1983, Gwen Volk has assisted developers, owners, agents, and on-site staff in navigating the complexities and challenges of the many programs that provide housing opportunities for low and moderate-income families.

Gwen served as vice president, president and chief executive officer of a Midwest affordable housing development and management company from 1983-1996 and as chief compliance officer for a Dallas-based firm with a national portfolio from 2001 – 2014. For the past twenty years, throughout her other pursuits, Gwen has provided training and consulting services in 36 states through GWEN VOLK INFOCUS, INC. She has extensive knowledge and experience in Section 42 low income housing tax credit, tax-exempt bond, HOME, Section 8, 236, 202 PAC, 202/811 PRAC and Rural Development program compliance.

Gwen is highly skilled and effective at teaching and coaching staff at every level, helping owners to navigate the complexities of the programs, advising agents on compliance and problem-solving, and working with the agencies that administer and monitor the programs. Her experience, knowledge, passion and commitment to the affordable housing industry makes her uniquely qualified to serve the training and consulting needs of the organizations, agencies, companies and individuals who make affordable housing a reality.

https://www.idahoahma.org/webinars