One of the strongest driving forces in the American Declaration of Independence is the right for "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Over time, the country has made great progress in helping enable this path for many of its citizens. At various times federal laws have been established to help further ensure this ability for US citizens. One such legal affirmation is the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974
What is the Housing and Community Development Act?
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implemented the Housing and Community Development Act to make sure that "no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with Federal financial assistance."
The act makes housing discrimination is a federal offense and levels the playing field.
What does the act do for me?
The terms of the Housing and Community Development Act are multi-tiered and clearly written to protect the civil liberties of all United States citizens. According to HUD, Section 109 of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act:
- "(ii) Provide any facilities, services, financial aid, or other benefits that are different, or are provided in a different form, from that provided to others under the program or activity;
- (iii) Subject an individual to segregated or separate treatment in any facility, or in any matter of process related to the receipt of any service or benefit under the program or activity;
- (iv) Restrict an individual's access to, or enjoyment of, any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others in connection with facilities, services, financial aid or other benefits under the program or activity;
- (v) Treat an individual differently from others in determining whether the individual satisfies any admission, enrollment, eligibility, membership, or other requirements or conditions that the individual must meet in order to be provided any facilities, services, or other benefit provided under the program or activity;
- (vi) Deny an individual an opportunity to participate in a program or activity as an employee;
- (vii) Aid or otherwise perpetuate discrimination against an individual by providing Federal financial assistance to an agency, organization, or person that discriminates in providing any housing, aid, benefit, or service;
- (viii) Otherwise limit an individual in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by other individuals receiving the housing, aid, benefit, or service;
- (ix) Use criteria or methods of administration that have the effect of subjecting persons to discrimination or have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program or activity with respect to persons of a particular race, color, national origin, religion, or sex; or
- (x) Deny a person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards."
It is important for all residents seeking a loan to purchase a home, know their rights and not be intimidated by bullies. The Housing and Community Development Act helps protect you.
