The American Property Owners Alliance (The Alliance) is deeply committed to improving fair housing protections to make property ownership accessible for all Americans. We know that a critical step to achieve equity in homeownership is to support organizations and advocates who are dedicated to protecting fair housing rights and expanding opportunity.
Meet Cashauna Hill, Executive Director of the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center. Cashauna and her team work to end discriminatory housing policies and practices through litigation and policy advocacy, along with fair housing trainings and foreclosure prevention counseling. Prior to her role at LAFHAC, Cashauna successfully resolved fair housing and lending claims through administrative and court processes. She has been interviewed by CNN, NPR, and countless other national and local media outlets – and has even testified before the United States Congress as a fair housing expert.
Why is equitable access to housing so important
Cashauna: Where we live influences nearly every aspect of our lives. Our zip code determines everything from whether we have access to fresh food and produce to how long we’ll have to wait for public transit, to even how long we’ll live. Equitable access to housing is important because where we live determines how or whether we’ll have access to opportunity.
What are common obstacles and discrimination that people face when trying to rent or buy a home? You are welcome to provide specific examples.
Cashauna: It’s important to note that whether or not a home is even available to rent or purchase can be rooted in discriminatory housing policy. Zoning and land-use restrictions have, for generations, worked to limit the kinds of housing opportunities that may be available in certain communities. When homeseekers look for housing in a certain community, we know that they may encounter discriminatory actions from landlords, sales agents, and other real estate professionals.
How does your organization help individuals and families overcome the barriers to housing access to increase equity in housing?
Cashauna: LaFHAC provides free legal representation to people who have experienced discrimination, and works in concert with developers and other interested parties to challenge discriminatory policies and practices in the housing market through litigation. Additionally, LaFHAC provides free foreclosure prevention services to ensure that our neighbors can continue to build and retain generational wealth through homeownership, and provides fair housing training sessions and other educational opportunities to community members. LaFHAC also works at the state, local, and federal level to support passage of policies that advance equitable access to housing opportunity.
What does the future of fair housing look like?
Cashauna: The future of fair housing should look like families being able to choose the housing that works best for them, free of interference from discriminatory policies and practices. It sounds simple, but there has not yet been a time in this nation when this vision is reality.
About the American Property Owners Alliance
The American Property Owners Alliance (The Alliance) is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization created to protect and support property owners and pave the way for future property owners. Our mission is to educate property owners about federal issues, laws and policies; to advocate for owners’ rights and interests; and to mobilize, when necessary, to secure those rights and interests.
Sign The American Property Owners Alliance petition to Congress urging them to support property owners and remove barriers to more affordable housing.
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