Barker Management Inc. On Equal Housing Opportunity
Even in the 21st Century, there are still cases where those meeting financial and credit requirements are prevented from getting good housing as a result of discrimination. Additionally, thousands of disabled and single-parent families suffer from poverty to the extent that getting traditional housing is simply out of the question. For these reasons, the government established the Department of Housing and Urban Development (1965) and passed the Fair Housing Act (1968). Today, we talked with Barker Management Inc. to provide a better understanding of equal housing opportunity.
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does two things:
● HUD enforces non-discrimination laws with regards to tenants, landlords, and housing; and,
● HUD advances social projects that improve living conditions for those less fortunate with regards to income, disabilities, and old age
Further, Barker Management Inc. explains that HUD exists to fight homelessness and improve economic development in low-income areas of the country. Those with qualifying low income can receive assistance via public housing.
What Qualifies as Low Income?
Qualifying for housing assistance with HUD varies by state and county. Basically, if one’s household income falls below 80% of median annual income (by county), they may qualify for assistance. However, those that fall below 50% and 30% of median income naturally are favored due to their dire need when there is short supply.
In addition to annual income limits, those seeking public housing assistance from HUD must be screened and have a unique detriment in their ability to support themselves and find decent housing. Barker Management Inc. explains that these detriments include supporting children in poverty, a verifiable disability, and old age.
What is Public Housing Like?
Nearly half of those occupying public housing are senior citizens. As such, many public housing areas tend to be quiet and neither luxurious nor downtrodden. The other half primarily serves families with single parents. While these complexes are usually located in poorer parts of the city, most negative reports about the quality of life in public housing is grossly exaggerated.
For example, most that use HUD assistance for housing use it as a voucher system rather than section 8 housing. Barker Management Inc. explains that this means that many families suffering from poverty can live comfortably and safely.
Equal Housing Opportunity
The basis for Equal Housing Opportunity is the Fair Housing Act. There are many reasons why someone may not be able to secure housing, but it should never be about their race, age, religion, social, or disability status. As such, HUD exists to protect Americans from discrimination in the world of tenant and landlord.
The law prohibits landlords from in any way denying (or making it more difficult) for an individual to qualify for housing as a result of the country they came from, the color of their skin, religious preferences, gender, sexual orientation, and more. Barker Management Inc. recommends that those who have faced or suspect discrimination in violation of Fair Housing and Equal Housing Opportunity laws should report the incident immediately.
