Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California Success Stories: Fiscal Year 2015-2016
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What Our Clients Say
“We have things to be grateful for, the support you have given us is giving us hope. We are grateful for our lives, for people like you (and your entire fair housing staff) and the shelter from the car. Without you, we wouldn’t be here today.” J.S. “I am usually very good with words however, I cannot come up with anything that I feel is sufficient today that I can say or do to express the renewed hope I have today regarding the outcome of your help on my behalf with Marin Housing Authority.” B.G. “Omgggg Thank You Soooooo Much!!! I really appreciate all your hard work. You have went over and beyond the call of duty!! And it has meant so much for me!! Because of your help I'm able to spend the holidays in my own home!!!” C.D. “I want to thank you for the understanding and big heart that you are blessed to have. It’s not everyday I get to meet someone as special like you. Thanks for all you have done.” M.S “Wow, you are truly amazing. I'm sure all this help you're giving us is worth thousands of dollars, but to my family and I, it's so much more. This is a lot of relief for us, your help is immensely helpful.” Y.S. “Thank you so much, you are my superhero of the day! I’m very grateful to you and Fair Housing of Marin for your help.” C.B. “Thank you so, so much for your help. You really helped point me in the right direction several times to make the application [for principle reduction] successful. I don't think the application would have succeeded without you. It kind of hasn't sunk in yet. I can't believe it. Life has been so hard for so long, I don't know what to do with good news!” S.J. |
Client Stories
In April 2016, FHANC and two other plaintiffs settled a sexual harassment lawsuit filed in federal court for a total of $125,000. After conducting audit testing and filing a lawsuit in federal court last year, FHANC settled a lawsuit alleging national origin and disability discrimination for $275,000 to be paid over five years, including training and testing components. FHANC intervened on behalf of a disabled client whose tenancy was terminated after she shared disability-related concerns in her housing. FHANC negotiated a successful resolution, resulting in payment of $2,620 to compensate the client and assist with moving expenses given her ultimate goal of vacating the property. FHANC engaged in a systemic investigation of discriminatory practices at mortgage lending institutions in Marin, Solano, and Sonoma counties. In response, FHANC filed and settled a lending discrimination complaint with HUD alleging differential treatment on the basis of sex and/or disability discrimination for $27,500 plus fair housing training. FHANC assisted a retired African American couple whose mortgage payments had become untenable following the husband’s disabling injury. FHANC secured $52,000 for the couple, reducing their monthly mortgage payment to 38% of their income, permitting them to remain in the home and community they loved. FHANC garnered $399,715 in settlements (excluding attorney fees and costs) for 5 clients and FHANC through interventions, administrative complaints, and lawsuits. |
Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California Statistics: Fiscal Year 2015-2016
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Between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016, Fair Housing of Marin (now known as Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California) fielded a total of 1,389 inquiries from tenants, homeowners, social service providers, and advocates across Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties.
* Based on federal and California discrimination protections
Of clients assisted by FHANC last year, 88% of clients were extremely low, very low, or low income. In addition, 31% were Latino, 8% of whom spoke no English, and 13% were Black/African-American. More than four out of every five inquiries concerned rental properties. Of these inquiries, 367 were housing discrimination complaints.
Federal Protections: FHANC took 236 complaints related to disability (66%), 58 complaints of national origin discrimination (16%), 43 complaints of race discrimination (12%), 34 complaints of familial status discrimination (9%), 32 complaints of gender discrimination (9%), 4 complaints of religious discrimination (1%), and 2 complaints of discrimination on the basis of color (1%). State Protections: FHANC also received 22 complaints alleging age discrimination (6%), 6 complaints alleging marital status discrimination (2%), 6 complaints alleging source of income discrimination (2%), and 6 complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation (2%). Please note that that some complaints alleged discrimination on the basis of multiple protected classes. As part of a nationwide effort, FHANC conducted investigation into discrimination in the maintenance and marketing of more than 51 real estate-owned properties across the Bay Area that resulted in an administrative complaint against an Asset Management Specialists, a servicer of Fannie Mae. 
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By The Numbers
-1,389 clients served - 50 reasonable accommodations granted of 57 requested - 15 reasonable modification requests funded to improve accessibility for people with disabilities - 104 rental properties investigated for discriminatory practices - 16 administrative fair housing complaints filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing - 1 lawsuit filed on behalf of two clients and FHANC in federal court -$399,715 in settlements for clients and FHANC (5 clients and 3 agency complaints) - 141 homeowners facing foreclosure counseled - 56 loan modifications negotiated - $641,655 paid to homeowners through Keep Your Home California Programs to prevent foreclosure - 248 prospective homebuyers educated and counseled - 230 housing providers trained - 327 tenants or staff from service agencies trained - 150 children participated in annual Fair Housing Poster Contest from 10 local schools - 2,745 children attended 12 Storytelling shows - 6,275 pieces of literature distributed | ||
