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.

IHFA Creates Fair Housing Video Series

Red logo banner with colorful and diverse profiles on the left facing right toward the text 'Know Your Right! The Fair Housing Act Protects All of Us?

As part of a HUD Fair Housing Initiatives Program – Education Outreach Initiative grant, the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) has created a series of four videos that outline rights and opportunities guaranteed by the federal Fair Housing Act. While fair housing law and protections are broad in scope, these videos aim to present basic information and encourage individuals to better understand and assert their rights in pursuit of economic and social opportunities, freedom from discrimination and options to report violations.

Videos are available for viewing and sharing via social media at the links below:

Thanks to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the support of this effort. Ensuring the right of every person to live where we choose and can afford requires constant attention and cooperation. We all play a role in fair housing.

Acknowledgement/disclaimer. The work that provided the basis for these products 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 authors and publishers 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.

Poor Planning Creates Barriers

Beyond a focus on Fair Housing law, we all need to be aware of barriers to community mobility as well. During a 2019 access audit of a new subdivision in Boise’s Harris Ranch, planning and design barriers were evident throughout the ‘walk and roll’ event. From the absence of Greenbelt access indicators to steep connecting ramps, missing or misaligned curb cuts, and even surface materials, we encountered multiple opportunities for improved mobility and access.

Take the bridge decking in the photo at left. The openings are the perfect size to trap small front wheels on a manual chair or swallow the tip of a cane. It’s also a surface service dogs might perceive as unsafe. This is a perfect example of the need to include a range of voices in the planning process. Problems can be addressed before injury occurs.

Until you’ve tried to navigate your community without full vision, hearing or mobility, access is often an afterthought. And remember, construction can create life-threatening barriers and hazards, as in this 2018 story about ongoing problems with road construction in and around Boise.

Where the Sidewalk Ends: Boise construction zone tricky for people with disabilities

Highway signs in the path of travel can trip a pedestrian or force them into the roadway. This is not a mere incovenience; it can create a life-threatening situation. We all need to increase our access awareness and take an active role in creating barrier-free communities.

Navigating a maze of randomly placed construction barriers.

ACHD contractors place barricades and signs at random, creating seious hazards for pedestrians and cyclists.

June 13 Design and Construction Workshop in Boise

Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST

Idaho has been fortunate to host several workshops put on by the excellent trainers at Fair Housing Accessibility First! over the years.

We’re excited to announce another chance for those involved in design, construction, development or permitting for the residential environment.

This workshop provides invaluable information for engineers, architects, builders and developers, remodeling contractors and building officials. Learn the basics of design and construction requirements, take a deeper dive into disability rights law and and learn how to make hosing accessible through accommodations and modifications.

As our population ages, we’re all either seniors or seniors in training (if we’re lucky). We need to know how to build a future we and our friends and families can all live with.

Here’s a snapshot from today’s training with attorney Scott P. Moore; thanks to the City of Boise for use of their Council Chambers and for their support of webcasting.