Written by Sara   

Today, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) launched a national media campaign to raise awareness of housing discrimination and the public’s rights under the Fair Housing Act. The campaign, entitled “The More You Know,” features print advertisements and a video public service announcement in English and Spanish, as well as a social media campaign utilizing the hashtag #FairHousing.

Because housing discrimination today is much more subtle than years past, the campaign, while focusing on the seven federally protected classes under the Fair Housing Act, highlights the ways in which individuals may encounter discrimination today. The purpose of the campaign is to increase awareness of fair housing and fair lending issues through targeted outreach via national print ads, social media and public service announcements. In addition, the campaign seeks to inform the public that they have a right to housing of their choice, and if this right is violated, it can and should be reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. People who believe their civil rights have been violated can file their fair housing complaint online here, or by calling 1-877-669-9777. Fair housing resources are available online at www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

“We are very pleased to undertake this national media campaign to promote fair housing,” said NCRC President and CEO John Taylor. “It is essential that Americans are empowered to know their fair housing rights, and to report instances of housing discrimination. This campaign utilizes both traditional media channels and cutting edge social media platforms to give people important knowledge and the information about their fair housing rights and protections under the law. “

The first print ads will be featured online on November 14. The video public service announcement will also begin airing in November.