HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 04-02-2019 4-b - Fair Housing Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 2, 2019
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-b
SUBJECT: Fair Housing Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations Department
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Annette Moore, Human Rights and
Fair Housing Month Proclamation Relations, 919-245-2317
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating April as Fair Housing Month in Orange
County.
BACKGROUND: The month of April is National Fair Housing Month. April 2019 will mark the
51St anniversary of the enactment of the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the 25tn
anniversary of the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance. These laws grant every person a right
to live where they choose, free from discrimination on the basis race, color, national origin, sex,
religion, familial status, or disability. The Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance, established in
1987, adds additional protections from discrimination based on age and veterans status.
During Fair Housing Month the Human Rights and Relations Department and the Human
Relations Commission, along with other community organizations, will co-sponsor a variety of
events to commemorate Fair Housing Month. In addition to an Emergency Preparedness
Power of Attorney Clinic, the County will also host and co-sponsor the following events:
Wednesday Community Book Read: Evicted by Matthew Desmond 6:OOpm -7:30pm
April 3, 2019 Southern Human Services Center
2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill
Wednesday Community Book Read: Evicted by Matthew Desmond 6:OOpm —
April 24, 2019 Whitted Human Services Center Complex located at 300 7:30pm
West Tryon Street, Hillsborough
Sunday 22ndAnnual Community Dinner 1:OOpm —
April 28, 2019 Ticket Information: www.communitydinner.org 3:OOpm
McDougle Middle School, 900 Old Fayetteville Road,
Chapel Hill
More information about these events can be found
at: http://www.orangecountVnc.gov/departments/human rights and relations/index.php
The County also acknowledges its Community Partners in the Community Book Read —
Empowerment, Habitat for Humanity, Marian Cheek Jackson Center, Orange County Affordable
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Housing Coalition, Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness, Orange County
Affordable Housing Advisory Board and the Orange County Housing Authority.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
Fair and equal housing opportunities is not only a legal mandate, it is an Orange County priority
which can bring about a community that is both harmonious and diverse.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
WHEREAS,April 11, 2019 marks the 51st anniversary of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of
1968 (formally known as the Fair Housing Act) and the 36th anniversary of the
North Carolina Fair Housing Act prohibiting discrimination in housing on the
basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability and familial status;
and
WHEREAS,the Orange County Board of Commissioners enacted the Orange County Civil
Rights Ordinance on June 6, 1994, which affords to the residents of Orange
County the protections guaranteed by the Fair Housing Act and additionally
encompasses the protected classes of Veteran Status and Age; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as
well as concerned residents and the housing industry are working to make fair
housing opportunities possible for everyone by encouraging others to abide by the
letter and the spirit of fair housing laws; and
WHEREAS,the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development annually declares the
month of April as National Fair Housing Month; and
WHEREAS, despite the protections afforded by the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance
and the Fair Housing Act, illegal housing discrimination still occurs in our nation
and within our County; and
WHEREAS,by supporting and promoting fair housing and equal opportunity, we are
contributing to the strength of our County, State and Nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County North
Carolina, do proclaim April 2019 as FAIR HOUSING MONTH and commend this observance
to all Orange County residents.
This the 2"d day of April 2019.
Penny Rich, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners