Fair Housing Basics for Local Governments
Elizabeth Brown, J.D., Executive Director of Housing Opportunities Made Equal, will present a course in Fair Housing Basics for Local Governments from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, March 9, at the Mason offices of Sibcy Cline Realtors, 7395 Mason Montgomery Road, just off I-71 close to Kings Island.
This course is designed for municipal and county staff and elected officials whose responsibilities involve some aspect of housing, especially planning, zoning, and community development. Participants will learn the basics of fair housing law, liability risks for local governments, and fair housing responsibilities when accepting Federal funds.
This course is FREE, but pre-registration is required. E-mail your name, title, organization and contact information to nicole.kelch@homecincy.org.
Fair Lending Forum for Lending Professionals
Bankers and other mortgage providers are urged to attend a Fair Lending Forum co-sponsored by HOME, the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Cincinnati Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.
The Forum will focus on the report by the Housing Research & Advocacy Center with regard to lending disparities in Ohio. The morning will include an overview of the HMDA Data by LaVaughn Henry, Vice President/Senior Regional Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank, Cincinnati Branch, followed by a panel introduction of the topic of Best Practices in Fair Lending. Audience members will be encouraged to join in a discussion about methods for ensuring all those seeking mortgage loans are treated fairly throughout the process.
“With the tightening of mortgage credit, HOME is again receiving calls from people who feel they have been denied a mortgage because of discrimination,” said Elizabeth Brown, HOME Executive Director. “With this forum, we hope to stimulate discussion among lending professionals to help address lending disparities and potential solutions.”
The forum is FREE, but pre-registration is required. E-mail your name, title, organization and contact information to myra.calder@homecincy.org.
HOME’s Annual Dinner
Once a year, the public is invited to attend a dinner program hosted by the management, staff, members and trustees for Housing Opportunities Made Equal. A guest speaker presents the keynote address. In addition, the executive director shares the agency’s annual report and joins in presenting awards to worthy recipients. For more information or to purchase tickets for the dinner, click here.
Fair Housing Training for Professionals
Throughout the year, Housing Opportunities Made Equal offers free Fair Housing training sessions. This information is especially beneficial to those considering housing as an investment property, current landlords, real estate agents and other housing professionals. Topics include Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law, Housing Rights of People with Disabilities and Fair Housing Basics for Rental Properties. For a current list of classes, click here.
HOME also offers customized, fee-based Fair Housing training for real estate professionals (CEU-approved) as well as investors. Regional clients include Sibcy Cline Realtors, Coldwell Banker, Huff Realty, Comey & Shepherd, Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, Real Estate Investors Association, Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors, and Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association. HOME also has presented programs throughout the state and the country – most recently with Picerne Military Housing, which develops, constructs and manages property for U.S. service members and their families.
Housing professionals interested in scheduling Fair Housing training courses are invited to contact Deb Jetter, Education and Outreach Coordinator, at 513-721-4663, ext. 3104, or send her an email at deb.jetter@homecincy.org.
Fair Housing Education for Consumers
Housing Opportunities Made Equal routinely schedules free programs addressing the housing rights of individuals, especially those who are members of protected classes as listed in the Fair Housing Act. These programs are offered to civic groups, churches, colleges, high schools, libraries, social service agencies, and various other community organizations. These presentations provide an overview of Fair Housing rights in the rental, sale and insuring of homes. Information also is available with regard to foreclosure prevention.
To schedule a consumer education and outreach presentation, contact Myra Calder at 513-721-4663, ext. 3105, or send her an email at myra.calder@homecincy.org.