Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center, 228-396-4008

LIFE (Living Independence for Everyone) and the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center jointly celebrate the 10th Anniversary of landmark civil rights decision

June 22, 2009, marks the 10th Anniversary of the Olmstead decision. This Supreme Court decision ensures that people with disabilities retain the right to live in the community and receive needed support services in the community setting. This case addressed the bias towards institutionalization of people with disabilities in programs of the state and federal level “I cannot imagine having the ability to go where I want to go, eat what and when I want, and doing what I want to do stripped from me. I know this could easily happen to me, if I did not have my support system and had to be placed in a nursing home!” states Cindy Singletary, person with a disability. The Olmstead decision sets forth requirements for states to report their progress towards a non-institutionalization based system. On June 22, 1999, people with disabilities gained a victory.

While there have been and continue to be many progressions for the rights and quality of life for people with disabilities, over-institutionalization and the lack of community-based services remain rampant throughout the country. 313,000 institutionalized persons with disabilities have stated that they want to live and receive needed support services in the community. This number does not include those, everyday, losing their ability to live in the community because they lack access to needed services. The Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (GCFHC) works to ensure persons with disabilities have equal access to housing opportunities when renting or buying a home. This includes making sure persons with disabilities know their fair housing rights and our community is aware of the right of persons with disabilities to live independently. To read more about LIFE of South Mississippi and the entire press release, click here. To read the Olmstead case, click here.

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Bernard Kleina Prints

For a limited time, the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center is pleased to offer Bernard Kleina framed prints for sale. Framed prints are available for $10.

Bernard Kleina print

To view more images, click here.

Upcoming Public Meetings

The City of Gulfport receives funds annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and HOME Investment Partnership Programs (HOME) grants.The City will receive $199,981 in new CDBG-R funds that constitute a special allocation of 2008 CDBG funding. The City must give priority to projects that can award contract by mid-June 2009. The purpose of this Substantial Amendment is to describe the City’s proposed use of the CDBG-R funds. To read the proposed amendment, click here.

The City of Gulfport plans to widen 46th Avenue between 28th Street and 31st Avenue in order to provide ingress and egress into new elementary school being constructed in low-mod income neighborhood. Previous school was relocated and rebuilt as a direct result of damages sustained in Hurricane Katrina. CDBG-R funds will provide street improvements on 46th Avenue between 28th Street and 31st Street. Total estimated project cost is approximately $600,000. Funding estimates: CDBG-R = $199,981, Harrison County = $240,000, City of Gulfport = $160,019.

The 2008 Action Plan Substantial amendment was released for citizen review and comment on June 4, 2009. During the 7-day public comment period from June 4, 2009 through June 11, 2009, the public has to the opportunity to give suggestions, ask questions and comment about the proposed project. Comments can be made in writing or orally. They may be faxed, emailed or mailed to Karen McCarty, Community Development Administrator (228) 868-5736 fax (228) 868-5760 Email: kmccarty@gulfport-ms.gov

The Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center has developed a public comment form. To access this form, click here word/pdf. For assistance completing this form, contact the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center at 228-396-4008.

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Congratulations Harrison County!

On February 19, 2009 at 3:00 pm, the Harrison County Zoning Commission amended the zoning code to include accessibility provisions.

For more information, contact our office at 228-396-4008 or email us at admin@makeitfair.com

Check back for more information!

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To learn more about the People Before Ports Campaign click here.

On September 7, 2007, Governor Haley Barbour proposed a plan to divert $600 million of housing recovery funds to pump into the expansion of the State Port at Gulfport. Despite growing public pressure the Governor has submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a revised plan to divert $600 million of housing funds to the Port of Gulfport.

Tell Us About Your Experience With Discrimination

If you or someone you know has been a victim of housing discrimination, speak up. Contact the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center and let us investigate your complaint. It is the only way to make real change!

Email us about your experience now!


	LIFE (Living Independence for Everyone) and the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center jointly celebrate the 10th Anniversary of landmark civil rights decision June 22, 2009, marks the 10th Anniversary of the Olmstead decision. This Supreme Court decision ensures that people with disabilities retain the right to live in the community and receive needed support services in the community setting. This case addressed the bias towards institutionalization of people with disabilities in programs of the state and federal level “I cannot imagine having the ability to go where I want to go, eat what and when I want, and doing what I want to do stripped from me. I know this could easily happen to me, if I did not have my support system and had to be placed in a nursing home!” states Cindy Singletary, person with a disability. The Olmstead decision sets forth requirements for states to report their progress towards a non-institutionalization based system. On June 22, 1999, people with disabilities gained a victory. While there have been and continue to be many progressions for the rights and quality of life for people with disabilities, over-institutionalization and the lack of community-based services remain rampant throughout the country. 313,000 institutionalized persons with disabilities have stated that they want to live and receive needed support services in the community. This number does not include those, everyday, losing their ability to live in the community because they lack access to needed services. The Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (GCFHC) works to ensure persons with disabilities have equal access to housing opportunities when renting or buying a home. This includes making sure persons with disabilities know their fair housing rights and our community is aware of the right of persons with disabilities to live independently. To read more about LIFE of South Mississippi and the entire press release, click here. To read the Olmstead case, click here. _________________________________________________ Bernard Kleina Prints For a limited time, the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center is pleased to offer Bernard Kleina framed prints for sale. Framed prints are available for $10. To view more images, click here. Upcoming Public Meetings The City of Gulfport receives funds annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and HOME Investment Partnership Programs (HOME) grants.The City will receive $199,981 in new CDBG-R funds that constitute a special allocation of 2008 CDBG funding. The City must give priority to projects that can award contract by mid-June 2009. The purpose of this Substantial Amendment is to describe the City’s proposed use of the CDBG-R funds. To read the proposed amendment, click here. The City of Gulfport plans to widen 46th Avenue between 28th Street and 31st Avenue in order to provide ingress and egress into new elementary school being constructed in low-mod income neighborhood. Previous school was relocated and rebuilt as a direct result of damages sustained in Hurricane Katrina. CDBG-R funds will provide street improvements on 46th Avenue between 28th Street and 31st Street. Total estimated project cost is approximately $600,000. Funding estimates: CDBG-R = $199,981, Harrison County = $240,000, City of Gulfport = $160,019. The 2008 Action Plan Substantial amendment was released for citizen review and comment on June 4, 2009. During the 7-day public comment period from June 4, 2009 through June 11, 2009, the public has to the opportunity to give suggestions, ask questions and comment about the proposed project. Comments can be made in writing or orally. They may be faxed, emailed or mailed to Karen McCarty, Community Development Administrator (228) 868-5736 fax (228) 868-5760 Email: kmccarty@gulfport-ms.gov The Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center has developed a public comment form. To access this form, click here word/pdf. For assistance completing this form, contact the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center at 228-396-4008. ___________________________________ Congratulations Harrison County! On February 19, 2009 at 3:00 pm, the Harrison County Zoning Commission amended the zoning code to include accessibility provisions. For more information, contact our office at 228-396-4008 or email us at admin@makeitfair.com Check back for more information! ___________________________________ To learn more about the People Before Ports Campaign click here. On September 7, 2007, Governor Haley Barbour proposed a plan to divert $600 million of housing recovery funds to pump into the expansion of the State Port at Gulfport. Despite growing public pressure the Governor has submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a revised plan to divert $600 million of housing funds to the Port of Gulfport. Tell Us About Your Experience With Discrimination If you or someone you know has been a victim of housing discrimination, speak up. Contact the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center and let us investigate your complaint. It is the only way to make real change! Email us about your experience now!	Upcoming Events GCFHC APPLE CRUMB PIES FOR SALE GCFHC is selling homemade apple crumb pies in celebration of the 4th of July until 12:00 p.m. Monday, June 29, 2009. The purpose of the sale is to join in the celebration of American freedoms, while raising awareness about constitutional rights granted under the Federal Fair Housing Act. Pies will be sold whole for $10 each and can be delivered or picked up on Wednesday, July 1, 2009. Proceeds will benefit GCFHC’s continued work in Jackson, Harrison, Hancock, George, Stone, and Pearl River counties. To place an order call 228-396-4008. Story Circle Training The Mississippi Center for Justice, in partnership with the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center, will host a Story Circle training, Tuesday, June 30, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The training is free and open to the public. The training will take place at the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center located in Gulfport at 2218 24th Avenue. Attendees will learn how to use the Story Circle method to collect information for organizing local events or addressing policy change. A Story Circle provides a simple and powerful way for people to get to know each other and to hear each other's stories. To learn more about the training, click here. To download the flier, click here. To register, contact Annette Hollowell at the Mississippi Center for Justice, 228-435-7284. To stay informed about upcoming GCFHC events, click here. _____________________ Past Events What are Reasonable Accommodations & Reasonable Modifications? Are you unsure what rights a person with a disability has when renting a home? This informational session, co-hosted with LIFE of South Mississippi will give community members to asks questions and dispel the myths behind reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications. Join us on June 25th, 2009 from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm at the Donal Synder Center, located at 2520 Pass Road, Room 2, Biloxi, MS 39531. Door prizes and refreshments will be available. To RSVP, or for more information contact GCFHC at 228-396-4008 or lprater@makeitfair.com. Getting in the Door: Fair Housing Accessibility Tried to rent a new apartment, but the door was too narrow? Do you want to know your fair housing rights as a renter? On June 11, 2009 at 6:00-7:00 pm This event co-hosted with LIFE will be held at the Donal Synder Center, located at 2520 Pass Road, Room 2, Biloxi, MS 39531. To RSVP, or for more information contact GCFHC at 228-396-4008 or lprater@makeitfair.com. What Every Family Should Know About Renting! On Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 5:30 pm, GCFHC presents, "What Every Family Should Know About Renting!" This presentation will be held on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Jefferson Davis campus, Director's Dining Room. To RSVP or for more information call 228-396-4008 or lprater@makeitfair.com. Moment of Silence On April 4, 2009 at 1:00 pm, GCFHC hosted a Moment of Silence at Isaiah Fredericks Community Center 3312 MLK Drive, Gulfport, MS 39501. Music will be provided by Zack Fellman and the First Missionary Baptist Church of Hansboro, Voices of Praise Choir. First Missionary Baptist Church of Hansboro. Support ribbons available at 2218 - 24th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501. Voter Registration Drive On April 24, 2009, from 2 pm-6 pm, GCFHC hosted a voter registration drive a the Gulfport Walmart. To read more about this event click here. Presentation: Housing Rights for Victims of Domestic Violence Empower your clients with knowledge of their rights. For more information Interfaith Breakfast Presentation: Fair housing rights for families with children Holidays Greetings! GCFHC hosts "Q &A" session for George County Residents. 2008 Fair Housing Forums To learn more about these meeting and access valuable resources, click here. Voter Registration Drive Freeze Cup Friday 2008 Fair Housing Conference 2008 Fair Housing Conference Agenda 2008 Moment of silence Meal Fit for a King Studies and Documents 2004 Rental Housing Discrimination Study 2004 Rental Housing Accessibility Study Job Opportunities Home ownership Counselor.Qualified applicant will have mortgage default & delinquency skills, housing experience sought to assist hurricane-impacted homeowners, and those facing foreclosure. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and knowledge of disaster recovery programs. Salary DOE. Mail cover letter, resume and references to C. Gaulden, Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center, 2218 24th Ave., Gulfport, MS 39501 or fax to (228) 396-4857 by March 1, 2009. Policy Intern. GCFHC is seeking interns to assist with our public policy initiatives. To learn more about the position, click here. If you're interested in applying, email a cover letter and resume today! Development Intern. GCFHC is seeking interns to assist with our fundraising and grantwriting. To learn more about the position, click here. If you're interested, email a cover letter and resume today! Staff Intern. GCFHC is seeking interns to assist with tracking legislation, outreach and case management. To learn more about the position, click here. If you're interested, email a cover letter and resume today! To stay informed about upcoming GCFHC activities, developments and events, join our mailing list.


	2218-24th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501, Office: 228-396-4008, Fax: 228-396-4857 Copyright 2009 Mississippi Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center. All Rights Reserved