Fair housing: It’s a neighborhood thing

Last week, we looked at specific protections as we mark the 53rd anniversary of the passage of the U.S. Fair Housing Law – Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, handicap or familial status and encourages fair housing opportunities for all citizens. We also noted that the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics extends protection to LGBTQ persons.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the campaign includes efforts to end housing discrimination and raise awareness about fair housing rights in communities across the country.

This week, let’s take a look at fair housing on a neighborhood level. Where people live will have a direct impact on the quality of their health, education, and access to economic opportunities. If you have been following the news recently, you know there is great concern about the Byhalia pipeline and how it might impact the quality of life in neighborhoods.

We have long known that discriminatory housing practices create racial and economic segregation in communities that can lead to disparate outcomes in overall quality of life. Fair housing supports the development of racially and economically diverse communities.

Consider these three important and inter-related aspects of residential housing that have links to health:

The physical conditions within homes; conditions in the neighborhoods surrounding homes; and housing affordability, which not only shapes home and neighborhood conditions, but also affects the overall ability of families to make healthy choices.

Where someone lives impacts both their physical and mental wellness. Fair housing has a role in fostering healthy people and neighborhoods.

Education also matters. Often, children are assigned default public schools based on neighborhood locations. While other options may exist, such as out-of-boundary public schools or private schools, a range of factors may prevent parents from choosing these options. The presence of affordable stable housing can support holistic community development, including new or improved schools, tutoring, and strong out-of-school-time programs.

Communities with high concentrations of poverty may have less access to the type of housing that can bring about positive change to local schools. Fair housing has a role in creating and expanding educational opportunities.

Housing also plays an important role in low-income households’ ability to achieve and maintain the stability necessary to pursue their financial goals and escape poverty. The stability provided by affordable housing can help households secure and maintain employment, increase their savings, and take steps to become self-sufficient.

Fair housing, be it in Memphis or Birmingham or St. Louis, has a role in creating neighborhoods that are economically diverse.