Thurston County’s Housing Authority and the City of Olympia are asking community members to share their stories about “whether housing discrimination or other barriers have had an impact on access to housing.”
The agencies are holding a survey on Olympia’s website that will close on Wednesday, November 30 regarding challenges county and Olympia residents might face when it comes to fair housing.
“If you’ve had an experience or serve our communities in ways that have allowed you to witness experiences, we particularly value your perspective,” said Christa Lenssen, Olympia housing program specialist, in a press release.
Olympia reports that more than 500 county residents have already filled out the survey as of Wednesday, November 23.
The survey will be used to help determine priorities for future funding and regional housing implementation, the city explained, including Olympia’s Housing Action Plan.
“Your feedback can help shape long-term efforts, though we’ve also included resources that help someone facing a more immediate situation,” continued Lenssen.
The press release says that fair housing laws “protect people from discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (includes gender identity and sexual orientation), family status, disability, immigration or citizenship status, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, and source of income such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or use of a Section 8 voucher.”
Community members who are experiencing unfair housing practices are encouraged to visit either the Fair Housing Center of Washington’s website, the Northwest Justice Project, the Washington State Human Rights Commission, or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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