April 27, 2023
[SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI] - The premier disability resource nonprofit in Southwest Missouri, empower: abilities, hosted a Fair Housing event on April 27, 2023 to educate the public on tenants’ rights and responsibilities, accommodations for disabilities under the Fair Housing Act of 1988, and how to combat discrimination.
The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. However, despite the legal protections in place, discrimination against people with disabilities in housing is still prevalent.
The event, which was held in empower: abilities’ spacious community room at 1450 W Cambridge Street in Springfield, Missouri, aimed to provide education and resources not only to those with disabilities, but to anyone who would like to know more about their rights and how they can take action if they face discrimination.
Representatives from the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) were available to answer questions from the public to ensure participants understood their rights and responsibilities as a tenant in a rental space. Speakers shared real-life examples of discrimination cases and how they were resolved, as well as what to do if someone believes they have faced discrimination.
A total of 32 local agencies were represented at the event, many of which had display tables with information and resources for the public regarding housing and related issues.
The event was well-received by the nearly 70 attendees, who found the information provided to be helpful and informative. Empower: abilities plans to host more events in the future to continue educating people with disabilities about their rights and how to access the resources they need to live independently and with dignity.
Empower: abilities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides support, resources, and advocacy for people with disabilities. They aim to be a one-stop-shop for all things disability-related in Southwest Missouri. Their mission is to assist all people with disabilities to live their fullest life and participate in an accessible world of social equality. Find out more at empowerabilities.org.
