April is Fair Housing Month in Franklin County and this year, Franklin County Commissioners and the Columbus Urban League are partnering to remind the community that the Federal Fair Housing Act, signed into law on April 11, 1968, makes it unlawful to discriminate in housing transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, or family status.
Franklin County Commissioners and the Columbus Urban League remain committed to addressing discrimination in our community and supporting programs which educate the public about equal housing rights, homeownership and foreclosure prevention.
The Columbus Urban League offers Landlord-Tenant Mediation, which provides educational information and material to landlords and tenants regarding their rights and responsibilities under Ohio laws.
The Housing Discrimination program, also available to residents, investigates illegal housing discrimination complaints and seeks redress through mediation, referrals, voluntary compliance or legal action.
Since January 2011, the Columbus Urban League has counseled 329 clients with LandlordTenant disputes and housing discrimination cases.
“Discrimination will not be tolerated in our community,” said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. “Our partnership with the Columbus Urban League ensures that we are being vigilant in our approach to provide education, advocacy, testing and enforcement of fair housing laws.”
“When the foreclosure crisis hit, many families in rentals were evicted through no fault of their own. The Urban League has steadfastly supported their quest to find decent housing. The Urban League is always there to protect our families in Franklin County,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks.
“The Columbus Urban League does a fantastic job of providing our residents with knowledge and tools needed to address housing discrimination in our community,” said Commissioner John O’Grady. “Through their counseling and supportive services, we are better prepared to make sure everyone is treated fairly when it comes to housing.”
“As the leading Civil Rights Organization in Central Ohio, the Columbus Urban League is proud to partner with the Franklin County Commissioners in recognizing Fair Housing Month,” said Columbus Urban League President & CEO Eddie Harrell, Jr. “Our continued efforts to advocate in the areas of landlord-tenant mediation and housing discrimination testing are a great service needed for all residents of Franklin County.”
People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact the Columbus Urban League’s Housing Services Department at 614-257-6300 or visit their website at
https://www.cul.org/.