Each April, Fair Housing Month highlights the importance of accessible, equitable housing free from discrimination. In recognition, several United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) staff members attended the Fair Housing Business Summit at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, hosted by the Fair Housing Center of Northern Alabama.
The event brought together thought leaders including Lila Rice, President and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance; Bryan Greene, Vice President of Policy Advocacy at the National Association of Realtors; Bill Hecker, an architect specializing in accessible design; and Graham Sisson, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office on Disabilities.
Sisson, who holds both a JD and doctoral degree, shared his personal story of becoming paralyzed after a car accident. For the past 30 years, he has navigated a world not built with him in mind — from being shown inaccessible or undesirable housing to having to use back entrances at businesses.
“When you are someone with a disability, you want to be independent. You want to get around and not always have to rely on others,” Sisson said. “When you make the built environment accessible, you liberate people with disabilities and enable them to fully participate in society.”
Understanding the Protections…and the Gaps
Fair housing laws exist to prevent discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability. These protections extend to reasonable accommodations, such as permitting service animals in no-pets housing or allowing the installation of grab bars in bathrooms.
Since its passage in 1968, the Fair Housing Act has served as a safeguard for individuals and families seeking to rent, buy or finance a home. Yet for many in Central Alabama, housing inaccessibility remains a reality.
United Way’s Role in Supporting Stable Housing
At United Way, we believe housing stability is foundational to long-term well-being. That’s why we support programs that prevent eviction, connect families to affordable housing and offer financial and legal guidance during times of crisis.
Through our Housing Alliance, we support a network of counseling agencies that help people find and maintain housing. Additionally, these partners support individuals facing homelessness when they need it most.
Veterans represent a significant portion of the disabled community. Our Priority Veteran program provides U.S. military veterans and their families with intensive, personalized help to secure stable housing and build financial stability for the future.
Our staff attend events such as the Fair Housing Business Summit to strengthen this work on the ground. “I attended the summit because knowing how to recognize violations and advocate for fair housing helps us protect and empower our clients,” said one UWCA staff member.
Want to Learn More?
On April 29th, Lila Hackett, the Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center of Northern Alabama, will join us on our campus for a free financial workshop. This session will help participants understand federal, state and local fair housing laws, what they cover, how to identify violations and what to do if their rights are violated.