In 1968, amid a period of significant social upheaval, the United States passed one of its most groundbreaking pieces of civil rights legislation – the Fair Housing Act. Let’s explore this pivotal moment in American history and its lasting impact on housing equality.
A Historic Moment Born from Tragedy
The path to fair housing wasn’t easy. The legislation faced significant opposition and spent considerable time moving in and out of congressional committees. However, a tragic event would become the catalyst for change – the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The assassination sparked a profound shift in perspective among many who had previously opposed the bill. Cities erupted in protest, with fires breaking out across the nation. This tumultuous period forced many Americans to confront an uncomfortable truth: unfairness to any American ultimately affects all Americans.
The Legislative Battle
The Fair Housing Act faced intense opposition before its passage. According and advisor to then President Lyndon B. Johnson, Joseph Califona said they received “the worst, nastiest mail” compared to any other piece of legislation at the time. Critics often used what were described as “stereotypical” arguments against the bill, including concerns about property rights and integration.
However, under President Johnson’s progressive leadership, the federal government recognized the need to address several interconnected issues:
- Civil rights
- Economic justice
- Concentrated poverty
- Urban development
The Impact and Legacy
When signed into law, the Fair Housing Act prohibited discrimination in approximately 80% of all housing offered for rent or sale in the United States. President Johnson himself considered signing such civil rights legislation among the proudest moments of his presidency.
Reflecting on the passage of the legislation, former Vice President Walter Mondale said, “Law is a good teacher.” The Fair Housing Act has taught generations of Americans that housing equality is fundamental to the American Dream. Today, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) continues to enforce fair housing laws daily, ensuring people are treated fairly in rental and purchasing situations.
Housing Choice Voucher Program in northeast Texas
The fight for fair housing continues. The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) works to uphold the Federal Fair Housing Law, which makes it illegal to discriminate against any person based on:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- Handicap
- Familial status
- National origin
ATCOG administers a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program offers rental assistance to low-income families in northeast Texas. Eligibility is based on HUD-defined income limits. The program ensures housing meets quality standards and provides landlord incentives.
How You Can Get Involved
For Landlords
Make a difference in your community by participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. You can provide affordable housing to:
- Low-income elderly individuals
- Disabled residents
- Veteran households
- Families with children
You can learn more about becoming a participating landlord by visiting our Landlord Information page.
For Applicants and Participants
Understanding your rights is crucial. If you’re looking to rent or buy a home, familiarize yourself with fair housing protections. If you’re interested in learning more about the Housing Choice Voucher program, visit our Applicants and Participants information page.
Report Discrimination
If you believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination, you can:
- Call: 1-800-669-9777
- TTY: 1-800-927-9275
- File online: http://www.hud.gov/fairhousing
Looking Forward
Dr. King’s powerful words: “I still have a dream, one day men will no longer see racial integration as a problem but as an opportunity to participate in the beauty of diversity,” reminds us that through continued education, enforcement, and community participation, we can work together to make this dream a reality.
By understanding our history and actively participating in fair housing initiatives, we can help ensure equal housing opportunities for all Americans – just as the architects of the Fair Housing Act envisioned almost sixty years ago.