Arizona Fair Housing Center

The Arizona Fair Housing Center (AFHC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring equal access to fair housing in Arizona, particularly in Metro Phoenix and surrounding areas.

History and Purpose

The AFHC was established over three decades ago in response to the need for fair housing enforcement and education. It serves as a crucial resource for individuals who have faced housing discrimination, especially from minority groups such as Native American, Black, Asian, and Latino populations, who have experienced significant housing discrimination over the past thirty years. The organization has helped more than 9,000 Arizona residents address illegal and discriminatory housing practices.

Services

Fair Housing Counseling

AFHC provides free housing counseling services to individuals experiencing housing instability. This includes assistance with finding housing, managing mortgage or rent payments, avoiding eviction, and dealing with loss of income or risk of losing a home. Their counselors connect residents with necessary resources to address these challenges.

Advocacy and Education

AFHC works to educate the public and housing providers about fair housing laws, aiming to strengthen communities by promoting equal housing opportunities. They collaborate with government entities to support fair housing initiatives and ensure compliance with relevant laws.

Impact and Support

The AFHC receives financial support from national and local governmental entities, including grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which are crucial for its operations. This support enables the organization to effectively serve the community's fair housing needs.

Fair Housing Protected Classes

The center advocates for individuals covered under the Fair Housing Act, which includes protection based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, familial status, or disability. The organization helps individuals who have suffered discrimination based on these protected classes by providing legal referrals and information on filing discrimination claims.