COCONINO COUNTY — At the April 4, 2023, meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the voting members present unanimously approved a proclamation designating the month of April 2023 as Fair Housing Month in Coconino County.
The Fair Housing Law of 1986 and subsequent amendment in 1988, makes it illegal in the United States to discriminate against people because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, family status, or disability when selling, renting, advertising, or maintaining housing. In adopting the Fair Housing Month proclamation, the Board acknowledges Federal policy and affirms that fair housing is a fundamental human concept and entitlement for all Americans.
“Affordable housing and fair housing are extremely important as we see the cost of housing in our communities increasing,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Vice-Chair of the Board. “This is making it difficult for families to find a place to live and still have a comfortable life. We need to continue to be advocates so our community does not fragment because people can’t find affordable places to live.”
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and annually certifies that they shall affirmatively further fair housing by serving as a Community Action Agency in the county to advocate for fair housing opportunities.
“This is truly an effort across so many organizations – our non-profit partners, elected officials, and service providers who play such a significant role in this,” said Kim Musselman, Director of Coconino County Health and Human Services. “Fair housing is something we work on collectively and we hope to continue to advance housing opportunities for our community members.”
For more information about Fair Housing Month 2023 and to learn more about resources available to community members, please visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.