Fair Housing

Throughout our country’s history different classes of people have been denied freedom of housing choice based upon such characteristics as race, color, gender, ethnic and religious identification. In passing the Fair Housing Act of 1968, Congress determined the fair housing policy. The Act, and its 1988 amendment, establishes seven protected classes:  race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability.

Disability Options Network, the Center for Independent Living, staff goes out into the various communities throughout Armstrong, Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties and beyond to provide information about the Fair Housing Act. We speak about: what is covered (renting, selling, lending etc.), unlawful discrimination, and some of the prohibited practices that are associated with it. Additionally, staff can explain what the difference is between what a reasonable modification and a reasonable accommodation is and who pays for it.   We also discuss the issue of Service Animals.

Most importantly, we strive to educate and empower people to take action when they have been discriminated against in any housing practice. By working with our legal partners, evictions can be prevented; home modifications and accommodations can be made and people can live in the community of their choice.

In addition, DON and its affiliated agencies administer USDA Housing Preservation grant funding to make owner occupied repairs and accessibility modifications for rural homes in several counties. Application for funding:

USDA-Housing-Preservation-Program-Application-Updated-08-24-2020

This is an equal opportunity program.  Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information or assistance with filling out this application should contact our office by telephone (724) 652-5144, Fax (724) 856-8973 or TTY/VP (724) 652-5152.