SERI AWARDED 125K TO FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION - Sonoran Environmental Research Institute, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2023

Media Contact:
Rachel Spitz
Program Manager
SERI
(520) 308-8462
rspitz@seriaz.org

Tucson, AZ – SERI has been awarded 125K to fight housing discrimination in the Tucson Metropolitan Area under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). The federal Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination in housing on the basis of race, national origin, color, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. These are known as the seven federal protected classes. Discrimination in housing still exists and occurs specifically in rental, real-estate sales, lending, and homeowners’ insurance transactions. Housing discrimination effects many families, especially those living in poverty who are most vulnerable to unfair treatment in housing.

“There is still a lot of work to do to help end discrimination in housing to create an equal opportunity for all and a more inclusive community. Our grant provides us the financial resources to continue serving our community fair housing education and outreach and support organizations working to enhance fair housing laws.” said Ann Marie Wolf, President at SERI.

The grant allows us to provide education and outreach to the public, housing providers, and our local government on their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act to help end discrimination. We aim to help our community recognize possible signs of discrimination in housing and encourage compliance with the law. During the grant year our fair housing program activities will include but are not limited to: providing digital and print educational material in English, Spanish, Swahili and Mandarin; launching digital and print advertisements; launching direct-mail postcards campaigns; executing social media campaigns; launching local bus advertisement campaigns; and launching radio Public Service Announcements (PSAs). We will be attending numerous community outreach events, conducting home visits in low-income neighborhoods, and meeting with community partners to provide education, material and resources on fair housing.

Have you been discriminated against in housing on the basis of race, national origin, color, religion, sex, familial status, or disability? Call our complaint inquiry hotline number (520) 306-0938 or complete an online form. We respond within 1 business day, are an Arizona Relay Friendly Service Business partner and take inquiries in all languages. After initial intake information we refer your inquiry to our program partner, Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC). SWFHC assists clients with allegations of illegal housing discrimination, provides investigative assistance, counseling, mitigation of damages, and refers clients to housing resources in Arizona.

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About SERI:

Founded in 1994, Sonora Environmental Research Institute, Inc. (SERI) is a community-based non-profit in Tucson, Arizona partnering with low-income and minority communities in the Southwest to create a sustainable world where there is environmental justice and opportunity for all people. We work with communities to preserve the environment, protect human health and build healthy and safe neighborhoods. SERI is an Arizona Relay Friendly Business.

About HUD:

Founded in 1965, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a federal agency responsible for national policy and programs that address America’s housing needs, improve and develop the Nation’s communities, and enforce fair housing laws. HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.

This material is based on work supported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under FHIP Grant FEOI220045. Any opinion, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of HUD.