West Side Housing Fair slated for April 28

        The Fair Housing Act is celebrating its 44^th anniversary during the Fair Housing Month of April and Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc is contributing in various ways.

         The act  was passed around the time of civil rights and was used to try and eliminate discrimination according to www.history.com. But there are even more aspects to the law that favor society and Heart of the City Neighborhoods, celebrates people being able to afford good housing.

          “A huge part of fair housing to our organization is affordable housing,” said Heart of the City Executive Director Stephanie Simeon. “It’s something that is often overlooked.” 

         Currently, Heart of the City is operating two successful affordable housing programs on the Lower West Side. The Home Ownership Provides Equity (HOPE) Program is one. HOPE rehabs vacant homes and resells them to first-time homebuyers.

         The Planning to Stay program is another housing program run by Heart of the City. This organization provides home repair grants to elderly and disabled homeowners with modest means.

         On Saturday, April 28, there will be a West Side Housing Fair sponsored by the West Side Ministries at 301 14^th St. 

         “The truth is there are a lot of programs and policies that can ensure that we aren’t paying excessive costs for a safe and healthy home,” said Simeon. “Something everyone has the right to.” By  Richard Cumpston and Mike Tellier