April is National Fair Housing Month and the City of San Diego is offering resources for residents, tenants and housing providers to ensure equal housing opportunities are available in our communities.

National Fair Housing Month celebrates the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968. This national law prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion and gender. In the State of California, there are additional protections for marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, source of income, age or occupation. 

The City is co-sponsoring the Ninth Annual Fair Housing Conference on April 17 and 18 along with the San Diego Regional Alliance for Fair Housing (SDRAFFH) and the San Diego Housing Federation. Kim Desmond, Chief Race and Equity Officer for the City, will serve as keynote speaker for the conference, which aims to explore critical fair housing issues with the theme: “Fair Housing: Leveling the Playing Field.” 

“In San Diego we believe that housing is a human right, and we want to help break down barriers that have historically prevented access to adequate housing,” said Desmond. “At the conference, we will focus on a comprehensive approach to housing to increase availability and affordability and to address historic inequities that created disparities and deterred opportunities to build generational wealth through homeownership. Housing as a human right includes understanding how adequate housing plays a significant role in providing access to city services, educational opportunities, health care and economic stability needed for communities to thrive.”

People can register for the conference by visiting the City’s website. Fair housing providers, developers and property managers are strongly encouraged to attend.

Housing providers can learn more about the Fair Housing Act and state and federal laws related to housing discrimination by attending a free, two-hour webinar made possible through the City’s Economic Development Department Fair Housing Program. This workshop on April 24 will provide an opportunity to explore fair housing basics, disability-related protections, source of income protections and more. Register to attend by visiting the City’s Fair Housing Program webpage. 

“The City of San Diego has always stood for fair and equitable housing opportunities,” said Christina Bibler, Director of the Economic Development Department said. “It’s important that people know their rights and these opportunities help our residents explore issues that affect housing in our city.” 

The City of San Diego is committed to furthering fair housing efforts by promoting fair and equal housing opportunities to its residents. In collaboration with the City, the Legal Aid Society of San Diego offers free community outreach and legal services to anyone who believes they have experienced housing discrimination harassment. The Fair Housing Hotline is another resource that can be reached at 844-449-3500. 

Funding for the City’s Fair Housing Program comes, in part, from Community Development Block Grant funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/fairhousing.