Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center, 228-396-4008

FAIR HOUSING CENTER'S INVESTIGATION LEADS TO CHARGE OF DISCRIMINATION

On June 27, 2011 the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a charge of discrimination against Teresa Mercker of Owensboro, KY for discriminating against a family with children searching for housing after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The complaint was filed and investigated by the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (GCFHC). GCFHC works to eliminate housing discrimination across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Federal laws make it illegal to treat someone differently because of his/her race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or because he/she has children when insuring, renting, selling or buying a home.

The Jones family was illegally evicted in 2006 from a three-bedroom home with over 1200 square feet of living space. HUD determined that this illegal eviction occurred because the Jones had five young children. The Jones family stated they loved the house. It was affordable, close to their jobs and the children’s school. As they explained in the complaint, “It was perfect for them.”

To read the full press release click here

To read the charge click here

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GULF COAST FAIR HOUSING CENTER WINS $132.8 MILLION SETTLEMENT IN PORT CASE

On November 15, 2010, the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (GCFHC) announced an agreement with the U.S. Department of HUD along with the state of Mississippi that will dedicate $132.8 million in Katrina related funding to address unmet housing needs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. GCFHC has worked persistently to ensure that disaster recovery dollars are spent equitably and today's settlement represents a significant victory in that work.

In 2008, Mississippi state officials, with the approval of HUD, attempted to use Katrina community development block grant money to expand the Port in Gulfport. Under the plan before GCFHC challenged it, nearly $600 million would have been diverted from the housing needs of Coast residents to the commercial expansion of the port. The GCFHC and the Mississippi NAACP, along with several individual plaintiffs, filed suit. The suit challenged HUD's approval of requests from the state of Mississippi to waive several requirements that the CDBG money be used to assist low and moderate-income persons repair and rebuild their homes after Katrina.

Under the agreement reached today, advocates will undertake an outreach effort to determine the unmet housing needs of households in nine south Mississippi counties and money will be set aside to address these needs. The efforts will target low and moderate-income households that suffered flood and/or wind damage from Hurricane Katrina, households seeking to permanently occupy Mississippi cottages, and renters with specific hardship circumstances. The funding will assist at least 4,400 households still struggling to recover from the effects of Katrina.

To learn more, call 601-791-1396 or email cgaulden@makeitfair.com.

To download the press release, click here.

New! To read the New York Times editorial "For Katrina Victims, Relief At Last" click here

To read the AP article on nola.com "Mississippi Katrina Victims Get $132 million from HUD, state" click here

To read the Sun Herald article "One Last Chance for Recovery", click here

Click below to watch a video about the lawsuit.

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FAIR HOUSING CENTER WINS CHARGES REGARDING HOUSING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

Biloxi, MS- On October 13th, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that on October 6, 2010, it issued charges of discrimination against five Mississippi respondents: Deanna Lynn Cooley, Michael Law, Precious Properties LLC, Penny Pincher weekly want ad paper, and Willie Kay Yates. The charges are the result of complaints filed by the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (GCFHC) and its client. The charge concludes that each of the respondents engaged in illegal discrimination against families with children in violation of the Federal Fair Housing Act.

To learn more, call 601-791-1396 or email cgaulden@makeitfair.com.

To download the press release, click here. To download the charge, click here.

________________________________________

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Investigation, finds evidence of familial status discrimination.

GCFHC was alerted to the presence of a discriminatory sign placed in the front yard of a vacant home for rent advertising, “No pets, No children.” The home is owned by Andrea Endris. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords and their agents from making statements and creating signs, that indicate a preference or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and/or familial status.

A subsequent investigation by GCFHC determined that people who were otherwise qualified were not allowed to rent the home because they had children. The Federal Fair Housing Act also
prohibits landlords and their agents from denying availability or indicating a preference based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and/or familial status. GCFHC filed a complaint with HUD. The HUD investigation confirmed discrimination had occurred.

GCFHC’s Executive Director Charmel Gaulden stated, “With limited options due to natural disasters, discriminatory actions by housing providers become particularly abominable, as they deny housing opportunities as well as send a signal to the neighborhood that this type of exclusionary behavior is acceptable. GCFHC is here to set that record straight.”

In Biloxi, Mississippi, the city where the discriminatory act occurred, over 60% of the city’s housing stock was damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

To learn more, call 228-396-4008 or email cgaulden@makeitfair.com. To download the press release, click here. To download the charge, click here.

________________________________________

LOCAL NON-PROFITS CELEBRATE 2009 MANDELA DAY WITH “IMPRINT ON THE IMPACT”

The Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (GCFHC) Mississippi Youth Justice Project (MYJP), a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center and Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi (LESM), the STEPS Coalition, Children's Defense Fund Southern Regional Project and the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) will host “Imprint on the Impact,” a 67-minute walk/roll in Biloxi on Saturday, July 18, 2009. The event will commemorate Mandela Day, which is a global celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and a call to action for people to recognize their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them. It was created to inspire people to embrace Mr. Mandela's values and asks people to make an imprint on July 18, 2009 through 67 minutes of service to their communities.

The walk will begin at 9:53 a.m. in front of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and will end at 11:00 a.m., when Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Mississippi. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. on the beach across from Surf Style. Parking is available in front of the beach and at Edgewater Mall. There is no cost to participate and each person will receive a free event t-shirt and water. For information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities for the event, or to RSVP, call 228-396-4008. Also visit http://imprintontheimpact.wordpress.com or www.makeitfair.com/imprintontheimpact.html.

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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.

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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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. 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!


	FAIR HOUSING CENTER'S INVESTIGATION LEADS TO CHARGE OF DISCRIMINATION On June 27, 2011 the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a charge of discrimination against Teresa Mercker of Owensboro, KY for discriminating against a family with children searching for housing after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The complaint was filed and investigated by the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (GCFHC). GCFHC works to eliminate housing discrimination across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Federal laws make it illegal to treat someone differently because of his/her race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or because he/she has children when insuring, renting, selling or buying a home. The Jones family was illegally evicted in 2006 from a three-bedroom home with over 1200 square feet of living space. HUD determined that this illegal eviction occurred because the Jones had five young children. The Jones family stated they loved the house. It was affordable, close to their jobs and the children’s school. As they explained in the complaint, “It was perfect for them.” To read the full press release click here To read the charge click here ________________________________________ GULF COAST FAIR HOUSING CENTER WINS $132.8 MILLION SETTLEMENT IN PORT CASE On November 15, 2010, the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (GCFHC) announced an agreement with the U.S. Department of HUD along with the state of Mississippi that will dedicate $132.8 million in Katrina related funding to address unmet housing needs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. GCFHC has worked persistently to ensure that disaster recovery dollars are spent equitably and today's settlement represents a significant victory in that work. In 2008, Mississippi state officials, with the approval of HUD, attempted to use Katrina community development block grant money to expand the Port in Gulfport. Under the plan before GCFHC challenged it, nearly $600 million would have been diverted from the housing needs of Coast residents to the commercial expansion of the port. The GCFHC and the Mississippi NAACP, along with several individual plaintiffs, filed suit. The suit challenged HUD's approval of requests from the state of Mississippi to waive several requirements that the CDBG money be used to assist low and moderate-income persons repair and rebuild their homes after Katrina. Under the agreement reached today, advocates will undertake an outreach effort to determine the unmet housing needs of households in nine south Mississippi counties and money will be set aside to address these needs. The efforts will target low and moderate-income households that suffered flood and/or wind damage from Hurricane Katrina, households seeking to permanently occupy Mississippi cottages, and renters with specific hardship circumstances. The funding will assist at least 4,400 households still struggling to recover from the effects of Katrina. To learn more, call 601-791-1396 or email cgaulden@makeitfair.com. To download the press release, click here. New! To read the New York Times editorial "For Katrina Victims, Relief At Last" click here To read the AP article on nola.com "Mississippi Katrina Victims Get $132 million from HUD, state" click here To read the Sun Herald article "One Last Chance for Recovery", click here Click below to watch a video about the lawsuit. ________________________________________ FAIR HOUSING CENTER WINS CHARGES REGARDING HOUSING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN Biloxi, MS- On October 13th, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that on October 6, 2010, it issued charges of discrimination against five Mississippi respondents: Deanna Lynn Cooley, Michael Law, Precious Properties LLC, Penny Pincher weekly want ad paper, and Willie Kay Yates. The charges are the result of complaints filed by the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (GCFHC) and its client. The charge concludes that each of the respondents engaged in illegal discrimination against families with children in violation of the Federal Fair Housing Act. To learn more, call 601-791-1396 or email cgaulden@makeitfair.com. To download the press release, click here. To download the charge, click here. ________________________________________ US Department of Housing and Urban Development Investigation, finds evidence of familial status discrimination. GCFHC was alerted to the presence of a discriminatory sign placed in the front yard of a vacant home for rent advertising, “No pets, No children.” The home is owned by Andrea Endris. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords and their agents from making statements and creating signs, that indicate a preference or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and/or familial status. A subsequent investigation by GCFHC determined that people who were otherwise qualified were not allowed to rent the home because they had children. The Federal Fair Housing Act also prohibits landlords and their agents from denying availability or indicating a preference based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and/or familial status. GCFHC filed a complaint with HUD. The HUD investigation confirmed discrimination had occurred. GCFHC’s Executive Director Charmel Gaulden stated, “With limited options due to natural disasters, discriminatory actions by housing providers become particularly abominable, as they deny housing opportunities as well as send a signal to the neighborhood that this type of exclusionary behavior is acceptable. GCFHC is here to set that record straight.” In Biloxi, Mississippi, the city where the discriminatory act occurred, over 60% of the city’s housing stock was damaged during Hurricane Katrina. To learn more, call 228-396-4008 or email cgaulden@makeitfair.com. To download the press release, click here. To download the charge, click here. . ________________________________________ LOCAL NON-PROFITS CELEBRATE 2009 MANDELA DAY WITH “IMPRINT ON THE IMPACT” The Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (GCFHC) Mississippi Youth Justice Project (MYJP), a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center and Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi (LESM), the STEPS Coalition, Children's Defense Fund Southern Regional Project and the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) will host “Imprint on the Impact,” a 67-minute walk/roll in Biloxi on Saturday, July 18, 2009. The event will commemorate Mandela Day, which is a global celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and a call to action for people to recognize their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them. It was created to inspire people to embrace Mr. Mandela's values and asks people to make an imprint on July 18, 2009 through 67 minutes of service to their communities. The walk will begin at 9:53 a.m. in front of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and will end at 11:00 a.m., when Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Mississippi. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. on the beach across from Surf Style. Parking is available in front of the beach and at Edgewater Mall. There is no cost to participate and each person will receive a free event t-shirt and water. For information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities for the event, or to RSVP, call 228-396-4008. Also visit http://imprintontheimpact.wordpress.com or www.makeitfair.com/imprintontheimpact.html. _________________________________ 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. To read more about LIFE of South Mississippi and the entire press release, click here. To read the Olmstead case, 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. 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 Biloxi Housing Authority Annual Plan Public Meeting On October 5, 2009 at 5:00 pm, the Biloxi Housing Autority will host a public meeting about the draft annual plan. To download the draft plan, click here. City of Biloxi Meets to Develop 5 year Consolidated Plan & 2010 One-Year Action Plan for Housing & Community Development Programs The City of Biloxi has received The community is invited to give their input. This information will be used determine the use of CDBG funds (Community Development Block Grants), HOME (Home Investment Partnership), Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA). Each one of these programs is required to affirmatively further fair housing. With your help, we can make sure these programs further fair housing. This is your opportunity to give input on the development of these programs. Make sure your community priorities are represented! Attend the meeting or submit a public comment if you are unable to attend. Public comments about community needs may be mailed, emailed or faxed to our office or to the community development office. We have created sample public comment form. Sign up for updates, click here. To stay informed about upcoming GCFHC events, click here. _____________________ Past 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. . 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. 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 Policy Intern. GCFHC is seeks interns and volunteers 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 seeks interns and volunteersto 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 seeks 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.


	P.O. Box 1592, Gulfport, MS 39502, Office: 228-396-4008, Fax: 888-745-1608 Copyright 2003-2010 Mississippi Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center. All Rights Reserved