While fair housing protections were established in the 1960’s, it continues to be an issue today.

City of Janesville Housing Services Director Kelly Bedessem says April is Fair Housing Month.

Bedessem says the Civil Rights Act of 1968 expanded the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit the discrimination of housing based on race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, and family status.

Fair Housing Month offers an opportunity for community members to consider existing barriers to housing, identify and eliminate discriminatory housing practices, and work collaboratively to ensure people and families have access to safe and affordable housing.

Bedessem says the City of Janesville is currently working on its five year analysis on impediments to fair housing with the hopes of identifying local concerns and then combating them.