SE Valley Times

In April, the City of Mesa and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are observing Fair Housing Month. This marks the 57th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 on April 11, a law intended to eliminate discrimination in housing and promote equal housing opportunities for Americans.

The Civil Rights Act of 1968 mandates non-discriminatory housing across the United States, including Mesa. It prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex—encompassing gender identity and sexual orientation—familial status, and disability. The Act encourages equal housing opportunities for all citizens.

Mayor Mark Freeman noted, "The City of Mesa is dedicated to supporting programs that educate the public about their right to fair housing opportunities. We will continue in promoting fair housing and collaborating with other organizations to ensure that every resident in Mesa has access to housing."

Mesa supports fair housing through the allocation of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Human Services funding to various nonprofits. The agencies involved include Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), Child Crisis Arizona, Family Promise Greater Phoenix, Homeward Bound, and the Save the Family Foundation of Arizona. Additionally, the City of Mesa operates several housing programs, including the Housing Rehabilitation Program and, the Rent and Utility Deposit Program.

The City's commitment also extends to providing assistance, information, and resources on Fair Housing through its website.

This month, Mesa also commemorates the 51st anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. National Community Development Week, observed from April 21 to 25, was established in 1986 to highlight the significance of programs such as CDBG and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program in community development.

The CDBG initiative focuses on fostering community resilience and strength. It funds programs through community partnerships and has significantly contributed to housing rehabilitation, public facility and infrastructure enhancements, and various public service activities. Over the past five years, Mesa has utilized more than $26 million from CDBG funds to enhance housing, community facilities, parks, homeless shelters, COVID mitigation, and critical services for vulnerable populations.

Additionally, the HOME program has funded permanent and transitional housing solutions for over 31 years. This program provides states and local governments with resources for housing acquisition, rehabilitation, new construction, and rental assistance for low- and very low-income households. Since Fiscal Year 2021, Mesa has received about $7.8 million in HOME funds for housing programs and new development.