National Fair Housing Alliance

On today, my official final day at HUD, I want to thank every appointee and career colleagues who helped us accomplish the many things we got done since the start of my nearly 3 years as head of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). Housing discrimination complaints have been resolved, policy priorities have been put forth, much needed staff and program resources have been (and continue to be) sought, new staff members have been hired and trained, members of the public have been educated, office reorganization has taken place, morale has been boosted and new partners have been made. Clearly much needed work remains as the need to end segregation and systemic discrimination burns, the prioritization of true housing choice and the infusion of resources in red lined communities cries out, and the need for more accessible housing as our population ages continues. With all levels of government, private industry and engaged community members, further progress can be made. We must envision it. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers..." It has been an honor to have served the Biden-Harris Administration and former Secretary Fudge. The Administration's racial equity, LGBTQI+, Artificial Intelligence executive orders have been useful. And our civil rights authorities, for which our ancestors fought, have been FHEO's beacons. It is with these tools that I enthusiastically pass the torch to my esteemed colleague HUD Regional Administrator Diane M. Shelley. RA Shelly's knowledge of today's HUD (including fair matters on which we both worked) and background as a grassroots advocate, legal aid attorney, private attorney and elected judge make her the ideal fit to carry this work forward in her own way. I am thrilled that Acting Secretary Todman and PPO agree as I move on to embark on exciting new opportunity. Stay tuned. A special thanks to those who had a hand in my lovely farewell gathering last week including the kind words shared and my goodbye cards, tokens and flowers! #fairhousing

Tenant Turner, a Richmond, VA-based tenant screening platform, has negatively impacted individuals with Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) in my home city and beyond for far too long. The recent lawsuit filed by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and partners exposes how Tenant Turner facilitates discrimination against HCV holders, depriving families of their right to safe and affordable housing. Tenant Turner's software is accused of enabling landlords to refuse rental opportunities to voucher holders, a practice found through testing in cities like Memphis and Philadelphia. This discriminatory behavior is encoded into their algorithms, making it impossible for voucher holders to schedule viewings for rental units. Tenant Turner's platform displays discriminatory listings, explicitly stating "not available for tenants with… a housing voucher." Their algorithm blocks HCV holders from scheduling viewings, effectively barring them from numerous rental opportunities. Over 4,000 listings with voucher restrictions were identified in areas with laws prohibiting such discrimination. This issue is not just a distant problem but a pressing concern in Richmond, VA, and other states. By facilitating this form of discrimination, Tenant Turner contributes to housing instability, increases homelessness risks, and perpetuates social inequalities. These practices are unacceptable in an era where the U.S. faces a severe affordable housing crisis. Website: https://lnkd.in/eGpeAnN7

The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) commends the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) under the leadership of Director Thompson for its continued bold leadership in promoting equitable housing finance. Earlier this week, FHFA announced the creation of a new Division of Public Interest Examination. The new division will be responsible for supervisory oversight of FHFA’s regulated entities in the areas of fair lending, affordable housing, community development, diversity and inclusion, and consumer protection (including unfair or deceptive acts or practices). It will also be on par with its safety and soundness examination division. FHFA also announced the issuance of a final rule, which will codify in regulation: ◾ The fair lending oversight requirements for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks; ◾ The Equitable Housing Finance Plans (Plans) for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; ◾ The collection of homeownership education, housing counseling, and language preference information on the Supplemental Consumer Information Form (SCIF), which will be reported to servicers; and ◾ New requirements for the Federal Home Loan Banks to report voluntary actions taken to address barriers to sustainable housing opportunities. The final regulation is consistent with FHFA's obligation under the Fair Housing Act to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing. NFHA has long advocated for these priorities and believe they are essential to addressing longstanding racial homeownership and wealth gaps. They make good business sense as the nation's demographics are undergoing a dramatic shift, and the majority of new households formed over the next decade will be households of color. Actionable plans are critically important to support borrowers and communities of color as well as older Americans who plan to sell their homes for a comfortable retirement. FHFA’s actions will promote a robust housing market that benefits all borrowers and communities. Removing bias from the home purchasing process strengthens individuals, families, communities, and the economy. Research has shown that we can grow the economy by $5 trillion over a five-year period just by addressing the discrimination that targets Black consumers. Promoting a fairer home financing process will ensure people’s lives and communities are vibrant and they have access to the amenities necessary to thrive. Please read NFHA's full statement: https://lnkd.in/eiBibT3i

On April 11, 1968, the passage of the Fair Housing Act marked a pivotal moment in our society, ushering in a new era of equality in housing. Reflecting on this historic milestone, I participated in a robust discussion on “Economic Equity through Housing” at this year's National Action Network Convention. Alongside esteemed panelists Dr. Courtney Rose Johnson, Stephanie Rollins-Blake, and Janaye Ingram, we emphasized the role of homeownership as the primary means for accumulating wealth for Black Americans. Rejecting narratives that diminish its importance, we underscored how homeownership is a vital component of our community's upward mobility. Advocating for more lenders to offer Special Purpose Credit Programs, which provide down payment assistance, adjusted interest rates, and specific underwriting considerations, are necessary to overcome systemic housing discrimination. Fair housing is a fundamental right, touching nearly every aspect of our lives, including education, environmental issues, transportation, and employment. Special thanks to the National Action Network, Reverend Sharpton, Chairman Dr. Richardson, and Ebonie C. Riley for the opportunity to share insights during this critical dialogue. #fairhousing #housingdiscrimination #lendingdiscrimination #blackwomen #civilrightsisnotdead #racialwealthgap #wewontgoback #NANCONV2024