Fair housing, resolving its inequities to be discussed in Oct. 16 program

Free and open to the public, this presentation will consider fair housing laws, who is covered by them, and how they are implemented and enforced. Included will be an examination of current local and regional fair housing barriers as well as a discussion of HUD's (Housing and Urban Development Department) new "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing" rule. Opportunities for citizen participation will round out the discussion.

The program, sponsored by West suburban Faith-based Peace Coalition (WSFPC), Wheaton, also will provide time for questions.

Houghtaling, an attorney who has worked in fair housing since 1995, joined HOPE as executive director in October 2011. She also served as director of enforcement and investigations at the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) from 2001 - 2011, where she oversaw two major government enforcement testing contracts. Between 1995 and 2001, Houghtaling was responsible for complaint oversight at HOPE.

Houghtaling also has provided training and consulting services to housing industry members on the national, state and local levels, and is president of the board of directors of Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance (CAFHA).

For more information about "Fair Housing and Community Advocacy," contact WSFPC at (630) 510-8500, ext. 104 or wsfpc.peace@gmail.com.

An initiative of faith-based peace makers from Chicago's western suburbs and the general Chicago area, WSFPC includes clergy, congregations, other peace organizations, individuals and more. WSFPC is committed to sustaining the work of peace through activities such as public witness, peace education, lobbying/legislative initiatives, and interfaith dialogue. It is an affiliate of Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) and donations are tax deductible.