Community Organizations
Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center
News
The latest news for this organization is listed here. For city-wide news, please see our news archive
January 15th 2010
RED LINES & KEEP OUT SIGNS - A Conference on Barriers to Open Housing: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Friday, January 15, 2010
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Lindy Boggs International Conference Center UNO – 2045 Lakeshore Drive
FREE – Registration required – Register at http://www.fitforaking.org
From historic redlining to contemporary NIMBYism, this free training will look at barriers to open housing: yesterday, today and tomorrow. Stakeholders will gain tools for understanding and combatting discriminatory housing policy and exclusionary housing practices in their communities.
YESTERDAY: Keynote speaker Beryl Satter, author of Family Properties: Race, Real Estate and the Exploitation of Black Urban America, will discuss how redlining, contract sales, and other racially discriminatory real estate practices in Chicago established stark segregation in housing. A local historian will connect Satter’s presentation to the history of housing segregation in New Orleans.
TODAY: The training will also feature a panel of local stakeholders who will discuss how Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) attitudes function currently to prevent our city’s full recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
TOMORROW: Finally, participants will spend the afternoon in break-out workshops designed to provide a variety of stakeholders with the tools they need to create healthy and inclusive communities.
Visit http://www.fitforaking.org for more information and registration.
January 7th 2010
RED LINES & KEEP OUT SIGNS Conference Filling Up Fast!
Register now for our free conference RED LINES & KEEP OUT SIGNS: A CONFERENCE ON BARRIERS TO OPEN HOUSING, YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW
Friday, January 15th, 2010
9 AM – 4 PM
Lindy Boggs International Conference Center – UNO – 2045 Lakeshore Dr.
FREE – REGISTRATION REQUIRED – REGISTER @ http://www.fitforaking.org
From historic redlining to contemporary NIMBYism, this free conference will look at barriers to open housing: yesterday, today and tomorrow. Stakeholders will gain tools for understanding and combatting discriminatory housing policy and exclusionary housing practices in their communities.
Download the full agenda at http://www.gnofairhousing.org/pdfs/FFK10Agenda.pdf or visit http://www.fitforaking.org
YESTERDAY: Keynote speaker Beryl Satter, author of Family Properties: Race, Real Estate and the Exploitation of Black Urban America, will discuss how redlining, contract sales, and other racially discriminatory real estate practices in Chicago established stark segregation in housing. A local historian will connect Satter’s presentation to the history of housing segregation in New Orleans.
TODAY: The training will also feature a panel of local stakeholders who will discuss how Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) attitudes function currently to prevent our city’s full recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
TOMORROW: Finally, participants will spend the afternoon in break-out workshops designed to provide a variety of stakeholders with the tools they need to create healthy and inclusive communities.
REGISTER NOW @ http://www.fitforaking.org
December 1st 2009
GNOFHAC Urges Jefferson Parish Housing Authority to Reopen Section 8 Waiting List
The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) denounces the process by which the Jefferson Parish Housing Authority (JPHA) recently opened its Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP, or “Section 8”) waiting list. A notice posted on the JPHA website on November 23rd, 2009 invites Jefferson Parish residents to fill out a “pre-application” form online, or request the form by mail between November 23rd and November 30th, 2009. The online form was removed at the close of business on November 30th, and JPHA’s notice stated that mailed requests received after November 30th or hand-delivered “will not be processed.” GNOFHAC is disappointed that JPHA chose to open its waiting list for the first time in years over the Thanksgiving holiday, a week when Jefferson Parish residents have limited access to social service and advocacy agencies, as well as post offices and public facilities that offer internet access. Furthermore, GNOFHAC is concerned that JPHA advertised the opportunity to apply for its HCVP waiting list exclusively via its website, and the legal notices section of the Times-Picayune.
The outreach that the JPHA engaged in to advertise the opening of the waitlist is insufficient in volume, and does not adequately address the needs of people with disabilities. GNOFHAC urges JPHA to reopen the pre-application process with an extended deadline, and to conduct TV and radio advertising to give the public adequate notice that the waiting list is open. Due to the obscurity of its advertising and the lack of access to resources over a national holiday, GNOFHAC recommends that JPHA extend its deadline for at least 30 days. This extension coupled with more comprehensive advertising will give Jefferson Parish residents adequate opportunity to complete the pre-application process, and will give social service agencies adequate time to reach out to their low-income clients.
GNOFHAC Interim Co-Director Kate Scott remarks, “It is unacceptable that JPHA chose to open its Housing Choice Voucher waiting list in a manner that likely bars access for many individuals most in need of housing vouchers. We urge JPHA to amend its process so as to offer equal opportunity to all Jefferson Parish residents.”
Contact: Seth Weingart
(504) 596-2100
More info at http://www.gnofairhousing.org/news.html
November 19th 2009
FAIR HOUSING CENTER URGES LRA BOARD TO RECOGNIZE AND ACT ON CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NEW ORLEANS
The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) was recently made aware that the LRA Board will consider a proposal at their next meeting on House Speaker Jim Tucker’s resolutions to move up to $1 billion dollars of Community Development Block Grant funds away from programs that create much-needed affordable housing. GNOFHAC strongly urges the LRA Board to remain focused on addressing the urgent demand for affordable housing in New Orleans, and to ensure that the dedicated funds remain committed to creating housing. Repurposing the funds would significantly risk violating the state’s statutory duty to affirmatively further fair housing.
It is critical that decisions about the development of affordable housing be based on sound data. On November 12, 2009, the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center (GNOCDC) released a report entitled “Housing Production Needs: Three Scenarios for New Orleans,” which examines how much more and what types of housing New Orleans needs. In all three population scenarios considered, the GNOCDC report finds that given current trends, the projected demand for affordable units drastically outpaces projected supply. In effect, New Orleans continues to face an affordable housing crisis that will only continue to get worse over time unless addressed.
In May, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) released a report that examined the supply of subsidized rental housing in the New Orleans area, absent any analysis of the significant demand for affordable housing. The BGR report and BGR testimony at public hearings has been used by some to justify attempts to halt funding for the continued development of much-needed affordable housing. After the release of the GNOCDC report, BGR President Janet Howard clarified in an interview that it would be “inaccurate” for anyone to use the BGR report to demonstrate that there is too much affordable housing in the region since the report did not examine demand.
Given the clearly demonstrated, persistent need for affordable housing in New Orleans, the Fair Housing Action Center calls on Speaker Tucker and all members of the LRA Board to:
1. Accurately analyze and act on the data available regarding both the supply of affordable housing in New Orleans and the persistent demand for it, including the “Housing Production Needs” report and Janet Howard’s recent comments clarifying the applicability of the BGR report.
2. Retain all CDBG funding currently dedicated for housing where it is, and remove Speaker Tucker’s resolution from the LRA Board meeting agenda. Furthermore, consider dedicating additional resources to alleviate the affordable housing crisis that New Orleanians face.
Kate Scott, Interim Co-Director of GNOFHAC, comments “Housing remains a critical issue in the recovery of New Orleans. In determining the future of the city, policymakers should make decisions based on high quality data that speaks to the issues at hand. A full picture of affordable housing supply and demand now indicates a continued need for more affordable housing in New Orleans, and we demand that the LRA Board act accordingly.”
Contact: Kate Scott
(504) 596-2100
http://www.gnofairhousing.org
November 4th 2009
Fair Housing Center Keeps Pressure on St. Bernard Parish
While the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) is pleased with the St. Bernard Parish Council’s vote to overturn an ordinance that would put a multi-family ban on the ballot for a public vote, it will continue to closely monitor the parish for any actions that violate the Fair Housing Act. GNOFHAC is especially troubled by comments made by parish officials and quoted in the Times-Picayune that seem to disregard the authority of federal courts and civil rights laws. Kate Scott, Interim Co-Director of GNOFHAC, comments, “We hope this move on the part of Parish officials to rescind the vote to ban multi-family housing signals a newfound commitment to open housing in St. Bernard Parish. We stand firm in our commitment to our mission of furthering equal housing opportunity throughout the region.”
The ordinance to vote on the multi-family moratorium is the latest in a long string of race-based attempts by St. Bernard Parish to block multi-family developments in the Parish. On October 13, 2009, GNOFHAC filed a fourth Motion for Contempt in a winding legal battle, alleging St. Bernard Parish violated the federal Fair Housing Act and a 2008 Consent Order in passing the ordinance for a public vote to ban multi-family housing. Judge Berrigan previously ordered the St. Bernard Parish Council to rescind a similar ordinance, holding that the “Council’s intent in enacting and continuing the moratorium is and was racially discriminatory.”
In response to the ordinance establishing the public vote on the 2009 moratorium, GNOFHAC spent considerable time and resources in developing an educational campaign to combat some of the myths surrounding affordable and multi-family housing. When the Parish notified the Court of its intent to rescind the ordinance, GNOFHAC slowed campaign production while continuing to monitor the actions of the Parish. Some educational resources and a timeline of GNOFHAC’s multi-year litigation with the Parish are available at http://www.nomultifamilymoratorium.org.
On November 4, 2009 lawyers for St. Bernard Parish provided notice to the Honorable Judge Helen G. Berrigan that the Parish Council voted to rescind the ordinance calling for the public vote at its November 3 meeting. The Parish asked the judge to dismiss GNOFHAC’s Motion for Contempt.
Relman & Dane PLLC represented GNOFHAC in this matter.
Contact: Kate Scott
(504) 596-2100
More info at http://www.gnofairhousing.org/news.html
October 14th 2009
GNOFHAC files fourth motion for contempt against St. Bernard Parish
On October 13, 2009, the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) filed a fourth Motion for Contempt alleging St. Bernard Parish has violated the federal Fair Housing Act and a Consent Order. On September 15, 2009, Parish officials passed an ordinance to hold a public vote on a moratorium on multi-family housing. The special election is set for November 14, 2009.
The ordinance to vote on the multi-family moratorium is the latest in a long string of race-based attempts by St. Bernard Parish to block multi-family developments in the Parish. In the course of the multi-year litigation, GNOFHAC has successfully challenged St. Bernard’s two previous multi-family construction moratoria, and an ordinance that restricted the rental of single-family residences to those related by blood to the owner of the property. In a prior ruling regarding a moratorium on multi-family housing similar to the one just passed by the Parish Council, the Honorable Judge Helen G. Berrigan ordered the St. Bernard Parish Council to rescind the ordinance, holding that the “Council’s intent in enacting and continuing the moratorium is and was racially discriminatory.”
GNOFHAC is initiating an educational campaign in St. Bernard Parish to inform residents about the facts surrounding multi-family and affordable housing. The campaign will encourage residents to vote “no” on the moratorium.
Relman & Dane PLLC represented GNOFHAC in this matter.
James Perry, Executive Director of GNOFHAC, comments, “It is alarming that Parish officials have once again acted to block open housing in St. Bernard, but we remain committed to doing what is necessary to ensure equal housing opportunity for all.”
Contact: Kate Scott
(504) 596-2100
More info at http://www.gnofairhousing.org
October 6th 2009
FAIR HOUSING CENTER PLEASED THAT BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED; HOPEFUL THAT ST. BERNARD PARISH OFFICIALS WON’T BLOCK FURTHER ATTEMPTS AT OPEN HOUSING
On October 1, 2009, St. Bernard Parish finally approved the building permits Provident Realty Advisors needed to start construction on four mixed income housing developments long delayed by the illegal and discriminatory actions of St. Bernard Parish officials. Parish Council members approved issuing the permits during a special meeting.
The issuance of the permits comes as the result of multi-year litigation initiated by the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) in 2006. So far, GNOFHAC has successfully challenged St. Bernard’s two multi-family construction moratoria, and an ordinance that restricted the rental of single-family residences to those related by blood to the owner of the property. Provident joined as an intervenor in the case in 2008, when Parish officials took measures to block the developments, composed of affordable and market rate units, from moving forward.
James Perry, Executive Director of GNOFHAC, comments, “We are pleased that Parish officials have finally allowed much needed, quality affordable housing development to proceed by issuing permits to Provident. We remain concerned with other actions that we believe to be discriminatory on the part of the Parish, but hope that the issuance of these permits signals a commitment to open housing that will guide future decisions around housing development in St. Bernard.”
Contact: Kate Scott
(504) 596-2100
More info at http://www.gnofairhousing.org/news.html
September 19th 2009
THE METRO NEW ORLEANS HOMEOWNERSHIP PRESERVATION COALITION RESPONDS TO FORECLOSURES - Group to hold Homeownership Preservation Workshop for troubled homeowners on September 19th
New Orleans, LA; September 15, 2009: With the specter of increasing foreclosures looming over the metro area as a result of the downturn in the economy and the lifting of post-Katrina moratoriums, a group of local non-profits and their community development partners are banding together to keep people in their homes. The Metro New Orleans Homeownership Preservation Coalition will be holding a workshop for residents concerned about foreclosure on Saturday, September 19, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ben Franklin High School, 2001 Leon C. Simon Drive, New Orleans.
“There’s a lot of confusion out in the public about what to do if you’re behind on your mortgage or are facing a crushing increase in your monthly payments. People are scared of losing their biggest investment, the roof over their head, and don’t know where to turn for help or advice. Maybe they’ve had bad experiences with their lender or servicer and are feeling hopeless about a resolution,” said Lauren Bartlett, staff attorney at Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, a non-profit organization providing legal assistance to low-income residents in the metro area. “We want people who are facing foreclosure to know that the worst thing you can do is to ignore the calls and the notices. There’s a whole team of experienced counselors and attorneys that are ready, willing and able to provide good counsel and help you through the maze of options that are available.”
The Homeownership Preservation Fair will include two general information sessions at 10:30 and 12:30 that will discuss the foreclosure process and financial and legal options available to help homeowners prevent foreclosure. After the sessions, the attendees, at their request, will be matched with an experienced housing counselor to begin the process of identifying solutions for their situation. All of the non-profit organizations participating are HUD-approved agencies specially qualified to offer this kind of one-on-one, individual counseling and are supported by grants or other funding to provide assistance at no cost to the homeowner. Refreshments and children’s activities will be provided on-site.
“We’re starting to see a rise in mortgage rescue scams in our communities. It’s important that homeowners know that there are many organizations that don’t charge up-front fees and have experience and training in resolving complicated foreclosure problems,” said Nancy Montoya, Community Affairs Manager for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and a coalition partner. “That’s why the Federal Reserve is involved in helping to coordinate events like this that can help save somebody’s home.”
For more information on this topic or to schedule an interview, please call Seth Weingart at (504) 596-2100.
September 15th 2009
Metro New Orleans Homeownership Preservation Coalition
New Orleans, LA; September 15, 2009: With the specter of increasing foreclosures looming over the metro area as a result of the downturn in the economy and the lifting of post-Katrina moratoriums, a group of local non-profits and their community development partners are banding together to keep people in their homes. The Metro New Orleans Homeownership Preservation Coalition will be holding a workshop for residents concerned about foreclosure on Saturday, September 19, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ben Franklin High School, 2001 Leon C. Simon Drive, New Orleans.
“There’s a lot of confusion out in the public about what to do if you’re behind on your mortgage or are facing a crushing increase in your monthly payments. People are scared of losing their biggest investment, the roof over their head, and don’t know where to turn for help or advice. Maybe they’ve had bad experiences with their lender or servicer and are feeling hopeless about a resolution,” said Lauren Bartlett, staff attorney at Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, a non-profit organization providing legal assistance to low-income residents in the metro area. “We want people who are facing foreclosure to know that the worst thing you can do is to ignore the calls and the notices. There’s a whole team of experienced counselors and attorneys that are ready, willing and able to provide good counsel and help you through the maze of options that are available.”
The Homeownership Preservation Fair will include two general information sessions at 10:30 and 12:30 that will discuss the foreclosure process and financial and legal options available to help homeowners prevent foreclosure. After the sessions, the attendees, at their request, will be matched with an experienced housing counselor to begin the process of identifying solutions for their situation. All of the non-profit organizations participating are HUD-approved agencies specially qualified to offer this kind of one-on-one, individual counseling and are supported by grants or other funding to provide assistance at no cost to the homeowner. Refreshments and children’s activities will be provided on-site.
“We’re starting to see a rise in mortgage rescue scams in our communities. It’s important that homeowners know that there are many organizations that don’t charge up-front fees and have experience and training in resolving complicated foreclosure problems,” said Nancy Montoya, Community Affairs Manager for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and a coalition partner. “That’s why the Federal Reserve is involved in helping to coordinate events like this that can help save somebody’s home.”
For more information on this topic or to schedule an interview, please call Seth Weingart at (504) 596-2100.
September 2nd 2009
FAIR HOUSING CENTER VOICES GRAVE CONCERNS ABOUT HANO’S SECTION 8 VOUCHER WAIT LIST; URGES HANO TO AMEND PROCESS
The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) has grave concerns about the process by which the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) is opening its Housing Choice Voucher (“Section 8”) wait list. The wait list is available for application from September 6 to 12, 2009. This is the first time the application process has been opened in six years. HANO is using its website, the Times Picayune and the Louisiana Weekly as its sole means for marketing the opening of the wait list.
Because many low-income residents don’t subscribe to the Times Picayune and don’t have internet access, GNOFHAC is urging HANO to conduct TV and radio advertising to give the public adequate notice that the wait list will be open. Additionally HANO should keep the wait list open for a minimum of 30 days rather than a mere six days. Finally, HANO should accept voucher applications that it received as early as August 23rd, because its public notice regarding the waitlist opening has been confusing and misleading.
GNOFHAC Executive Director James Perry remarks, “Despite the intense need for affordable housing in Orleans Parish, the Section 8 wait list is opening up for the first time in six years. HANO is doing so in a manner that fails to properly notify New Orleans low-income residents. HANO must do a better job of tending to the needs of those of it serves.”
Contact: Morgan Williams
(504) 596-2100
http://www.gnofairhousing.org
September 1st 2009
THE METRO NEW ORLEANS HOMEOWNERSHIP PRESERVATION COALITION ANNOUNCES HOMEOWNERSHIP PRESERVATION FAIR
The Metro New Orleans Homeownership Preservation Coalition will hold a Homeownership Preservation Fair to provide help to homeowners experiencing difficulties making their mortgage payments. The Fair is free and open to the public and will be held:
Saturday, September 19, 2009 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Benjamin Franklin High School 2001 Leon C. Simon Dr., New OrleansThe national foreclosure crisis is hitting home in the New Orleans area, with foreclosures jumping tremendously from just a few months ago. Homeowners should know that they have options when they are unable to afford their mortgage payments and that many local agencies offer free housing counseling to deal with these issues. At the fair, homeowners will learn about the options to stop foreclosure, the foreclosure process, and be able to meet individually with housing counselors who can help guide them through the process of preserving their homes. For more information, call 504-596-2100.
The Metro New Orleans Homeownership Preservation Coalition is a collaboration of local housing counseling agencies and stakeholders in the New Orleans area dedicated to raising awareness about foreclosures and helping homeowners find assistance to keep their homes.
August 20th 2009
FAIR HOUSING CENTER AUDIT REVEALS 82% RATE OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER HOLDERS
On Thursday, August 20, 2009, the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) released its report, Housing Choice In Crisis: An Audit Report on Discrimination Against Housing Choice Voucher Holders in the Greater New Orleans Rental Market. Through testing, or “mystery shopping” for housing, GNOFHAC found that landlords outright refused to accept vouchers or added insurmountable requirements for voucher holders eighty-two percent (82%) of the time. Further interviews with property owners, housing advocates, tenants, and program administrators revealed that this alarmingly high rate of discrimination was driven by two main factors:
1.) Discrimination against low-income African Americans in both intent and impact
2.) The dysfunctional administration of the housing choice voucher program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), also commonly known as “Section 8,” was designed to increase housing choice for low-income Americans, transfer the provision of housing assistance to the private market, and promote economic and racial integration. In the past decade, the HCVP has become one of the primary ways that the federal government provides housing assistance to low income Americans. As part of the Housing Choice in Crisis report, GNOFHAC issued a series of ten recommendations on how to improve the program.
GNOFHAC Executive Director James Perry remarks, “Our report, Housing Choice in Crisis, demonstrates that landlords were willing to accept vouchers in only 18% of instances and indicates that the Housing Choice Voucher Program in New Orleans is not functioning properly. Additional steps need to be taken to ensure the economic and racial integration in New Orleans that the Housing Choice Voucher Program was supposedly implemented to facilitate.”
Download the report at http://www.gnofairhousing.org/pdfs/HousingChoiceInCrisis.pdf
Learn more at http://www.gnofairhousing.org/news.html
August 17th 2009
FAIR HOUSING CENTER GRANTED SECOND MOTION FOR CONTEMPT AGAINST ST. BERNARD PARISH
On August 17, 2009, the Honorable Judge Helen G. Berrigan granted the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center’s (GNOFHAC) and Provident Realty Advisors’ second motion for contempt against St. Bernard Parish. Judge Berrigan writes that by “subverting the re-subdivision process” to prevent Provident Realty Advisors from moving forward on construction of four multi-family housing units, the actions of St. Bernard Parish are discriminatory against African Americans in both intent and effect.
Judge Berrigan further ruled “that the issue of the amounts of damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs be referred to Magistrate Judge Shushan,” and that “Provident’s four re-subdivision applications be placed on the agenda for the next Planning Commission hearing.”
The ruling is GNOFHAC’s fourth win in a winding case seeking to insure fair housing opportunity in St. Bernard Parish. In the course of the multi-year litigation, GNOFHAC has successfully challenged St. Bernard’s two multi-family construction moratoria, and an ordinance that restricted the rental of single-family residences to those related by blood to the owner of the property.
Relman & Dane PLLC represented GNOFHAC in this matter.
James Perry, Executive Director of GNOFHAC, comments, “Judge Berrigan’s ruling sends a strong message to both St. Bernard Parish and neighboring communities that fair and affordable housing opportunities must be allowed in our region.”
Learn more at http://www.gnofairhousing.org
August 17th 2009
GNO Fair Housing and the Advocacy Center to hold training on 8-28: Accessibility Design and Construction Standards
The Advocacy Center and the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) are hosting a training event on Accessibility Design and Construction Standards regarding multi-family housing in the greater New Orleans area. The training event will be held on Friday, August 28, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at 1010 Common Street in the second floor conference room, and coffee will be available at 9:00am.
The training will provide an overview of the federal Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1971, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will provide a historical context for these regulations, and it will contextualize the application of this regulation in the local landscape by reviewing the findings of a recent audit of accessibility in new construction in the region. The training will culminate in a brief discussion among participants regarding how public and private entities can work to improve compliance with accessibility standards. GNOFHAC’s May 2009 report, entitled Access Denied, found that 100% of the multi-family complexes investigated in a recent audit were in noncompliance with one or more of the federal Fair Housing Act’s design and construction standards.
Registration for the training is $75.00, and attorneys will receive 2.5 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits. The event is designed specifically for builders, developers, architects, attorneys, finance personnel, public administrators, and concerned community members. To register, go to http://www.gnofairhousing.org/CLE.html or call (504) 596-2100.
Accessibility design and construction standards is of critical importance, in light of the significant redevelopment of multi-family housing in the region, and this training provides those in the development community the opportunity to learn more about the specific regulations that constitute design and construction standards.
——
Schedule:
9:00-9:30 am
-Registration and coffee
9:30-11:30 am
-Introduction
-Historical Overview
-Audit Findings: Access Denied
-Fair Housing Act
-Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
-Americans with Disabilities Act
11:30 am-12 noon
-Enforcement Actions and Recommendations
-Discussion
July 28th 2009
REVISED: FAIR HOUSING CENTER WINS MOTION FOR CONTEMPT; ST. BERNARD PARISH MUST PAY FEES, COSTS AND DAMAGES
This revised release corrects the July 23, 2009 version that attributes a statement to Judge Berrigan that she did not make in her ruling. GNOFHAC apologizes for the error.
————————————
On March 25, 2009, the Honorable Judge Helen G. Berrigan ruled that St. Bernard Parish violated a February 2008 Consent Order by banning the construction of multi-family housing in St. Bernard Parish. On July 22, 2009, Judge Berrigan held that by violating the Consent Order, the Parish was in contempt of the Order and that the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) and Provident Realty Advisors, Inc. can recover the costs expended in bringing the Parish’s contemptuous conduct to light.
The ruling is GNOFHAC’s second win in a long-standing case seeking to ensure fair housing opportunities in St. Bernard Parish. In the course of the multi-year litigation, GNOFHAC has successfully challenged St. Bernard’s two multi-family construction moratoria, and an ordinance that restricted the rental of single-family residences to those related by blood to the owner of the property.
In her July 22 ruling, Judge Berrigan writes, “The Court concluded that the Parish and Council’s intent in enacting and continuing the moratorium was racially discriminatory, and as such defendants violated the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §3604(a), 42 U.S.C. §§1981, 1982, and 1983 and the terms of the February 2008 Consent Order. The Court also concluded that the moratorium had a discriminatory effect on African-Americans and therefore violated the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §3604(a), and the terms of the February 2008 Consent Order. Accordingly, the Court finds that plaintiffs are entitled to attorneys’ fees and costs based on defendants’ failure to comply with a court order in effect, namely the 2008 Consent Order.”
Relman & Dane PLLC represents GNOFHAC in this matter
James Perry, Executive Director of GNOFHAC, comments, “Judge Berrigan’s ruling sends a strong message to both St. Bernard Parish and neighboring communities that fair and affordable housing opportunities must be allowed in our region.”
More information at http://www.gnofairhousing.org/news.html
- # #
July 23rd 2009
FAIR HOUSING CENTER WINS MOTION FOR CONTEMPT; ST. BERNARD PARISH MUST PAY FEES, COSTS AND DAMAGES
On July 22, 2009, the Honorable Judge Helen G. Berrigan ruled that St. Bernard Parish violated a February 2008 Consent Order by banning the construction of multi-family housing in St. Bernard Parish. As a result of the ruling, the Parish and Council will be required to bear the full costs of their contemptuous conduct by paying fees, costs, and damages to the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) and Provident Realty Advisors, Inc.
The ruling is GNOFHAC’s 2nd win in a winding case seeking to insure fair housing opportunity in St. Bernard Parish. In the course of the multi-year litigation, GNOFHAC has successfully challenged St. Bernard’s two multi-family construction moratoria, and an ordinance that restricted the rental of single-family residences to those related by blood to the owner of the property.
In her July 22 ruling, Judge Berrigan writes, “in short, the Parish and the Council left Plaintiffs with no choice but to take on the costly task of enforcing this Court’s Order through litigation. For this reason…the Parish and the Council should be held in contempt and ordered to make Plaintiffs whole by bearing the full costs of their contemptuous conduct prior to the date of the Court’s ruling on March 25, 2009.”
Relman & Dane PLLC represented GNOFHAC in this matter.
James Perry, Executive Director of GNOFHAC, comments, “Judge Berrigan’s ruling sends a strong message to both St. Bernard Parish and neighboring communities that fair and affordable housing opportunities must be allowed in our region.”
More info:
http://www.gnofairhousing.org/news.html
Contact:
Kate Scott
(504) 596-2100
July 17th 2009
New Orleans, Louisiana Tenants Rights Union (NOLA-TRU) hiring a Community Organizer
The New Orleans, Louisiana Tenants Rights Union (NOLA-TRU) seeks an experienced Community Organizer to build our membership base as well as coordinate the activities of the steering committee. The job will begin as soon as possible and continue for a six month period.
Specific job responsibilities will include:
• Building our membership base through:
o Organizing house meetings
o Canvassing
o Tabling at various public events
o Recruiting and coordinating volunteers to assist with the effort
o Working (along with the steering committee) on identifying and developing leaders among the growing membership base
o Maintaining a database of members, potential leaders, and other supporters
o Follow up communications which will include but is not limited to one-on-one meetings with potential members
• Organizing and coordinating activities of steering committee
o Setting up meetings for the steering committee, sending out reminder emails, coordinating meeting spaces, taking notes at meetings, and other coordinating duties.
Qualifications:
• Prior grassroots organizing experience
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational mission.
• Computer skills, including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Email and Internet.
• Willingness and ability to work some evening and weekend hours.
• Willingness and ability to speak publicly and represent the organization.
• Preference will be given to candidates with strong relationships and significant history in New Orleans. People of color, women, persons displaced from New Orleans as a result of Katrina, and people on public assistance are strongly encouraged to apply.
Organizational Description:
NOLA-TRU is a newly forming tenants’ rights union in New Orleans whose mission is to organize tenants to create concrete improvements in their living conditions by working to challenge and transform unjust housing policies and practices. The formation of the tenants union reflects our firm belief in the human right to safe, decent and affordable housing and our desire to center our work in the experiences and needs of those most vulnerable to exploitation, criminalization, exclusion and displacement in the rental market. NOLA TRU has set a goal of recruiting at least 100 members by December, 2009.
Compensation (contract basis):
$15,000/6 months. The compensation amount has been determined based upon an expectation of an approximate workload of half-time.
The Organizer will report to members of the steering committee. Computer and phone will be provided. We anticipate that we will be conducting interviews on the evening of August 12th.
To apply, please send cover letter and resume (including three references) by July 31 to or to NOLA TRU; c/o Keron Blair; Interfaith Worker Justice; 2714 Canal St, Suite 306.; New Orleans, LA 70119
May 30th 2009
TONIGHT! FHAC Speaks About Housing & Health at Screening of "Unnatural Causes"
UNNATURAL CAUSES: Is Inequality Making Us Sick? is a groundbreaking new documentary series that crisscrosses the country exploring how the social conditions in which Americans are born, live and work profoundly affect health and longevity, even more than medical care, behaviors and genes. This four-hour television and DVD series challenges fundamental beliefs about what makes Americans healthy – or sick – and offers new remedies for an ailing society.
This FREE series is presented locally by the Tulane Community Health Center at Covenant House and Community Book Center. Each evening features one-hour of the documentary along with a local speaker working on issues such as housing, healthcare, and immigration in New Orleans. Refreshments available.
WHEN: May 29th, May 30th, June 5th, and June 6th. All events will run from 6-8pm
• Friday, May 29th, 2009 – Race and Health, with speaker Barbara Major
Episodes: When the Bough Breaks and Collateral Damage
• Saturday, May 30th, 2009 – Housing and Health, with speaker Kate Scott
Episodes: Place Matters and Not Just a Paycheck
• Friday, June 5th, 2009 – Wealth and Health, with speaker Karen DeSalvo
Episodes: In Sickness and in Wealth
• Saturday, June 6th, 2009 – Immigration and Health, with speakers Narda Hernandez and Kathia Duran
Episodes: Becoming American and Bad Sugar
WHERE: Community Book Center, 2523 Bayou Road
May 21st 2009
FAIR HOUSING ACTION CENTER RELEASES RESULTS OF HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY STUDY; NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FAIR HOUSING ACT A PROBLEM FOR NEWLY DEVELOPED HOUSING
On Thursday, May 21, 2009, the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) revealed the results of its recent investigation into housing accessibility discrimination against people with disabilities in the New Orleans area, including Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Tammany Parishes. The investigation is the first to be conducted in the area since Hurricane Katrina.
The investigation showed that 100% of the twenty-two complexes investigated were inaccessible to people with disabilities. The complexes failed to comply with one or more of the Fair Housing Act design and construction standards. 81% of the complexes tested failed to comply with two or more of the requirements, and on average, the newly constructed multi-family complexes examined failed to comply with three of the seven design and construction standards.
GNOFHAC Executive Director James Perry comments, “Let this report serve as a wake up call to housing developers, government officials and people across the community. All of us must work to make New Orleans open and welcoming to all people by taking a stand against inaccessible housing.”
Learn more or download “Access Denied: An Audit Report on Housing Accessibility for People with Physical Disabilities in the Greater New Orleans Rental Housing Market” at http://www.gnofairhousing.org/news.html
May 20th 2009
FAIR HOUSING ACTION CENTER SCHEDULES PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT
On May 21, 2009, at 10:30am, the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) will hold a press conference in the 2nd floor conference room of 1010 Common Street to release the results of its most recent audit, Access Denied: An Audit of Housing Accessibility for People with Physical Disabilities in the Greater New Orleans Rental Housing Market.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, there is increased development of new multi-family housing throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Much of this housing is required to comply with design and construction standards for accessibility as set forth by the federal Fair Housing Act. GNOFHAC conducted a systemic investigation to evaluate accessibility compliance at new multi-family housing developments in New Orleans. GNOFHAC will reveal the results of this audit at the May 6th press conference.
GNOFHAC Executive Director James Perry remarks “The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, and disability. Ensuring that new developments comply with accessibility standards is critical to equal housing opportunity for individuals with disabilities in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.”
For more information call (504) 596-2100 or go to http://www.gnofairhousing.org
March 26th 2009
FAIR HOUSING CENTER WINS LAWSUIT AGAINST ST. BERNARD PARISH; PARISH MUST RESCIND MULTI-FAMILY APARTMENT MORATORIUM
[Download this press release, view other materials, and learn more about the case at http://www.gnofairhousing.org/news.html#stbernardmultifam]
On March 25, 2009, the Honorable Judge Helen G. Berrigan granted the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center’s (GNOFHAC) motion seeking enforcement of a Consent Order entered on February 7, 2008 in Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center v. St. Bernard Parish et al, Case No. 06-7185, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana.
The February 27, 2008 Consent Order resolved GNOFHAC’s challenge to a multi-family moratorium St. Bernard enacted immediately after Hurricane Katrina, as well as an ordinance that restricted the rental of single-family residences in St. Bernard Parish to those related by blood to the owner of the property.
On September 16, 2008, the Parish enacted another moratorium on all multi-family developments with five or more units. After a hearing on GNOFHAC’s motion to enforce the February 27, 2008 Consent Order, the Court concluded that the moratorium violated both the Fair Housing Act and the Consent Order the Parish had entered into to settle GNOFHAC’s challenge to the “blood relative” ordinance. The Court found the similarity between the blood relative ordinance and the moratorium “striking” and noted that the September 2008 multi-family moratorium was identical to the November 2005 multi-family moratorium challenged in GNOFHAC’s lawsuit against the Parish.
In her ruling, Judge Berrigan writes that “the Court concludes that the Parish and Council’s intent in enacting and continuing the moratorium is and was racially discriminatory,” and that “the evidence also supports a finding of discriminatory effect.”
Judge Berrigan has ordered St. Bernard Parish and the St. Bernard Parish Council to “rescind Ordinance SBPC #905-09-98, its moratorium on all housing developments with five or more units.” Further, she orders that the Parish and Parish Council are “immediately enjoined from enforcing the Ordinance until it is rescinded.” Relman & Dane PLLC represented GNOFHAC in this matter.
James Perry, Executive Director of GNOFHAC, comments that “Even before Hurricane Katrina local municipalities sought to limit affordable rental opportunities. These limitations have both strangled our recovery and limited housing opportunities for people of color and people with disabilities. Judge Berrigan’s ruling today sends a strong message to elected officials in our region: officials must allow the development of affordable rental housing in our region.”
March 13th 2009
Obama's Debt to New Orleans
Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center and Princeton Professor Melissa Harris-Lacewell co-author an article in The Nation magazine! Read “Obama’s Debt to New Orleans” at http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090330/harris-lacewell_perry
Learn more about the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center at http://www.gnofairhousing.org
January 7th 2009
More information about Fit for a King Celebration!
FIT FOR A KING CELEBRATION ’09 – http://www.fitforaking.org
Join us in celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at these 3 great events!
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1. ADVOCATES TRAINING – Hurry! Filling up fast!
Wednesday, January 14 – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM @ UNO’s Lindy Boggs Conference Center
If you work for an advocacy organization or community group, you don’t want to miss this training opportunity! Learn to advocate like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with workshops on envisioning whole neighborhoods, framing your message, harnessing the media and using the law.
Keynote Address: Real Responsibilities: Why the Obama Administration Needs Community Organizers
Melissa Harris-Lacewell – Politics and African-American Studies, Princeton University
Workshops by:
Timolynn Sams – Neighborhoods Partnership Network
Jane Wholey – Esopus Creek Communications & Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools
Annie Clark & Glenda Johnson – Policylink
Davida Finger – Loyola Law Clinic
Kysha Brown Robinson & Saundra Reed – Central City Renaissance Alliance
Martha Kegel, Chandra Crawford & Jesse Pullins- UNITY of Greater New Orleans
Tory Pegram – Coalition to Free the Angola 3
Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools & Vietnamese American Young Leaders Association – New Orleans Youth Organizing Collaborative
Registration required; go to http://www.fitforaking.org or call (504) 596-2100.
Also look for the Fit for a King Advocates Training Agenda at http://www.npnnola.com/resources.
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2. SOUL REBELS & BONERAMA IN CONCERT
Friday, January 16 – 10:00 PM @ The Howlin Wolf
Tickets are $15 and proceeds support fair housing and civil rights work in New Orleans. Buy tickets at the door or online at http://www.fitforaking.org
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3. COMMUNITY POWER DAY
Saturday, January 17 – 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM @ Dillard University’s Cook Center
Join us for 4 movies about how neighborhoods across the nation are reclaiming control over their communities, followed by conversations about community power in New Orleans.
Free and open to the public. Hot lunch from Stewart’s Diner available for sale.
Get info about the films at http://www.fitforaking.org or find the Fit for a King Community Power Day document at http://www.npnnola.com/resources.
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Fit For a King Celebration ’09 is presented by the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (http://www.gnofairhousing.org) in partnership with the Citizen Participation Project (http://www.nolacpp.org) and Neighborhoods Partnership Network (http://www.npnnola.com)
For more information call (504) 596-2100 or go to http://www.fitforaking.org
December 30th 2008
Hurry! The Fit For a King '09 Advocates Training is filling up fast!
Don’t miss out! Spots are running out for our Fit For a King ’09 Advocates Training on Wednesday, January 14th from 9 AM – 4 PM at UNO’s Lindy Boggs Conference Center.
If you work with a non-profit organization or community group, you don’t want to miss this opportunity! In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the training will feature workshops for advocates on:
* envisioning whole communities, * framing your message, * harnessing the media, and * using the law in your advocacy workMorning sessions will focus on skill-building and afternoon sessions will focus on specific case studies. Dr. Melissa Harris-Lacewell of Princeton University will give the keynote address on community organizing.
Registration is only $40! Register NOW @ http://www.fitforaking.org
PS if you work with a neighborhood association ask how you can receive a scholarship to the Advocates Training! Email
December 18th 2008
GNOFHAC Seeks Repeal of St. Bernard Parish Multi-Family Housing Moratorium
The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) filed a motion today seeking enforcement of a Consent Order entered on February 27, 2008, in Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center v. St. Bernard Parish et al, Case No. 06-7185, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana. GNOFHAC’s motion alleges that St. Bernard Parish’s recently enacted moratorium on multi-family housing violates the Consent Order, which enjoins the Parish from violating the Fair Housing Act and other civil rights laws that prohibit race discrimination.
Read the whole press release and get more info at http://www.gnofairhousing.org/news.html
December 2nd 2008
SAVE THE DATE! Fit For a King Celebration 2009
2 days • 2 awesome events!
Check it out at http://www.fitforaking.org
ADVOCATES TRAINING
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 • 9 AM – 4 PM
UNO’s Lindy Boggs Conference Center
Learn to advocate like a King with keynote speaker Melissa Harris-Lacewell, renowned professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University. In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the training will feature workshops for advocates on:
- envisioning whole communities,
- framing your message,
- harnessing the media, and
- using the law in your advocacy work
Morning sessions will focus on skill-building and afternoon sessions will focus on specific case studies.
The training will be held at the Lindy Boggs Conference Center at the University of New Orleans. Lunch will be served. Registration is required and costs $40.00. Register at http://www.fitforaking.org
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COMMUNITY POWER DAY
Saturday, January 17, 2009 • 10 AM – 3 PM
Dillard University’s Cook Center
Come celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s legacy at our community event at Dillard University’s Cook Center. We’ll screen 4 films about how neighborhoods across the nation are reclaiming control over their communities, followed by conversations about community power in New Orleans.
Fit for a King Community Power Day is free and open to the public. Great, local food will be available to purchase for lunch.
November 12th 2008
Fair Housing and Civil Rights Groups File Federal Lawsuit in Post-Katrina Housing Discrimination Case
Local and national civil rights groups and five African-American homeowners in New Orleans are filing a class action lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA). The suit alleges that the LRA’s Road Home program discriminates against African-American homeowners in New Orleans.
Read more and download the press release, the complaint and the fact sheet at http://www.gnofairhousing.org/news.html
November 7th 2008
GET YOUR FREE "LIVE THE DREAM" T-SHIRT!
Make a tax-deductible donation of $40 or more to GNOFHAC’s fair housing enforcement, outreach, and homeownership protection programs and we’ll give you our limited-edition fair housing ringer T for FREE!
August 19th 2008
Road Home appeals help
Need help with your Road Home appeal? Talk to one of GNOFHAC’s counselors. Visit http://www.gnofairhousing.org/HOP.html or call (504) 596-2100 x. 107
NPN is funded with help from CPSC
