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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

10 days left until Maryland’s new housing laws go into effect! Are you prepared? The Equal Rights Center, @Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership, and @Maryland Commission on Civil Rights will hold webinars for renters and housing providers all about new source of income protections. Register below.

Text reads: Are you prepared for new Maryland housing laws? 10 days to go.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

In 2025, we conducted 780 civil rights tests to identify discrimination. Then, we used the results to educate the public, support policy advocacy, take enforcement action, and more! Read our 2025 annual report: equalrightscenter.org/news-posts/a...

A person with a large magnifying glass. Text reads "780 tests"

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Buying a home, applying for a mortgage, or getting an appraisal? The Fair Housing Act protects you from discrimination in all of these. Watch for red flags like steering, unequal loan terms, and more: equalrightscenter.org/wp-content/u...

Housing discrimination: sales and lending. What is the Fair Housing Act and how does it apply to home sales and lending? The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal nationwide to discriminate in housing on the basis of your membership in 7 "protected classes" - including race, color, religion, disability, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and familial status (the presence of children under the age of 18 in one's household). State and local fair housing laws may have additional protected characteristics. You can view a list of all locally protected classes in the DC region on the ERC's website. The Fair Housing Act applies to most housing transactions, including buying or selling a home, applying for a mortgage or home loan, receiving a property appraisal, and seeking homeowner's insurance. What can housing discrimination look like? Signs of housing discrimination during sales or lending transactions might include: A realtor only shows you homes in certain neighborhoods, even though you expressed an interest in other neighborhoods within your budget; A bank or mortgage broker steers you to a particular loan product - for example, an FHA loan - without knowing your financial qualifications; A bank or mortgage broker denies your loan application or offers you less favorable terms because you are on or about to take maternity leave; A realtor, bank, or mortgage broker provides you with bad customer service - for example, they ignore you or send repeated requests for the same information; or A real estate agent, lender, or insurance company tells you that they simply do not sell, lend, or insure houses in the neighborhood where you're interested in living.

Housing discrimination: sales and lending. Who should I contact if I believe I've been discriminated against in housing? If you have experienced illegal housing discrimination, you may be able to obtain compensation for the harm you experienced or request policy changes. You can report housing discrimination to the Equal Rights Center by calling 202-234-3062 or emailing info@equalrightscenter.org. You can also file a complaint directly with HUD on their website. How can the ERC help? Civil rights testing: Trained civil rights testers pose as potential buyers or borrowers to find out if and how discrimination is occurring. Advocacy: Advocating on your behalf with a housing provider to address possible discrimination. Fair housing complaint: Assisting you with filing a housing discrimination complaint with HUD or the appropriate state/local agency. Reasonable accommodations and modifications: Assisting people with disabilities with requesting reasonable accommodations or modifications. Equal Rights Center. www.equalrightscenter.org

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Fair housing has had bipartisan support for decades because everyone deserves protection from housing discrimination. During #FairHousingWeekOfAction, tell Congress to protect the local fair housing organizations communities rely on. Send your message today: bit.ly/FairHousingA...

Text reads: Fair housing week of action. Fair housing isn't partisan. It never has been. For decades, Congress has supported federal funding for local fair housing organizations to help people understand their rights and enforce the Fair Housing Act of 1968. HUD's actions will prevent experienced, frontline organizations from receiving funding to fight back against housing discrimination faced by you and your neighbors. Tell Congress to protect fair housing today.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

This past year, ERC's Multifamily Housing Resource Program conducted 94 fair housing and accessibility trainings reaching 4,120 housing professionals, our most learners in over a decade! Read our 2025 annual report: equalrightscenter.org/news-posts/a...

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Housing discrimination doesn't stop when funding to fight it does. This #FairHousingWeekOfAction, tell Congress to protect the local organizations that help veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, families, and others enforce their rights. Send your message today: bit.ly/FairHousingA...

Text reads: Fair housing week of action. Housing discrimination doesn't stop when funding to stop it does. If fair housing organizations close, people facing discrimination are left to fight alone. Veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, black and brown families, LGBTQ+ communities, survivors of domestic & sexual violence. Tell Congress to protect fair housing today.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Local fair housing organizations handle 70%+ of housing discrimination cases, but HUD's funding changes put many at risk. Help us send 5,000 messages to Congress by using the link to urge lawmakers to protect fair housing organizations and the communities they serve: bit.ly/FairHousingA...

Text reads: Fair housing week of action. Local fair housing organizations fighting discrimination are at risk. New actions by HUD could force these organizations to close or significantly reduce services. We need you to call on Congress to defend the organizations on the frontlines against discrimination.

Text reads: Fair housing week of action. What's happening. The administration sent Congress a budget with $0 for fair housing organizations. HUD is restructuring the program in ways that could prevent local organizations from receiving funds. When fair housing organizations lose funding, communities lose support.

Text reads: Fair housing week of action. Why this matters: Local fair housing organizations help people understand their rights and enforce the law. More than 70% of housing discrimination cases start here. Without funding, many may be forced to close ot cut services.

Text reads: Fair housing week of action. Call to action: Tell Congress: protect local fair housing organizations, preserve fair housing enforcement, ensure communities have access to critical support. Be one of the 5,000. Send your message today.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

At our Annual Meeting, ERC Executive Director Kate Scott discussed how ERC has continued to serve our community through hardship and reminded the community: “This work belongs to all of us. Whether you’re speaking up or staying engaged, you are part of this.” equalrightscenter.org/fhm-event-re...

ERC Executive Director Kate Scott speaks.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Critical homeownership programs are being dismantled. @natfairhouse.bsky.social is suing to stop it. ERC stands with them. Fair housing is still the law. #FairHousingIsTheLaw nationalfairhousing.org

Text reads "For generations, the traditional lending market denied families who were ready to own a home. Programs built to change that are now under attack."

Text reads "In Washington State, 2,500 families, many of them from communities the lending market had turned away for decades, found a path to homeownership in just 18 months."

Text reads "Ninety-three percent of Americans who weighed in said protect these programs. The National Fair Housing Alliance led a coalition of 78 civil rights organizations who also opposed this rule during the same public comment period."

Text reads "The federal agency that was built to protect consumers from discriminatory lending practices ignored their concerns."

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

HUD is officially accepting public comments on the Trump admin’s proposal to repeal the Equal Access Rule! The Equal Access Rule helps prevent housing discrimination against LGBTQI+ people. Submit a comment urging HUD to preserve the rule here: transequality.org/earcomment

Text reads "The Trump Administration is attacking housing protections for LGBTQ+ people: We need your help to fight back."

Text reads "This week, the Trump Administration has proposed the repeal of the Equal Access Rule, which guarantees equal access to government-funded housing programs—including homeless and domestic violence shelters—regardless of a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status."

Text reads "How can you help? Submit a comment before June 29th and share why equal access to housing for LGBTQ+ people is important to you."

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Banks can now signal to entire neighborhoods that credit isn't for them — legally. Programs that helped families build wealth? Discouraged. No explanation. ERC stands with @natfairhouse.bsky.social. Fight back. #FairHousingIsTheLaw

Text reads "Digital redlining must be stopped."

Text reads "Special purpose credit programs helped people of all races access homeownership. This allowed families to begin building generational wealth."

Text reads "The CFPB's new rule discourages the use of these critical programs. There's no policy rationale or regard for the families who depend on this support."

Text reads "We're joining the National Fair Housing Alliance in fighting back against this attack. Stand with us."

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Throughout April, we hosted over a dozen Fair Housing Month events, reaching 500+ residents and housing professionals. We wrapped up with our Annual Meeting, where our community came together in the spirit of innovation and collaboration to protect fair housing. equalrightscenter.org/fhm-event-re...

ERC Fair Housing Director Susie McClannahan speaks.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

At the ERC Annual Meeting, we honored Jackie Simon, our newest emeritus board member, for her decades of service on the board, where she used her professional experience as a real estate agent and personal experience advocating for people with disabilities. equalrightscenter.org/fhm-event-re...

ERC Executive Director Kate Scott poses with Impact for Equality awardee Jackie Simon.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

We're proud to recognize Martha Guarnieri and Rachel Nadas of Handley Farah & Anderson with our Partner in Progress awards for their representation of ERC in cases protecting families, people with disabilities, and voucher holders. equalrightscenter.org/fhm-event-re...

ERC Deputy Director S. Carteret Surface (middle) poses with Partner in Progress awardees Rachel Nadas (left) and Martha Guarnieri (right).

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

At our Annual Meeting, we gathered with government partners and community members from across the DMV to celebrate #FairHousingMonth and the power of local collaboration. Read the recap and check out more photos from the event! equalrightscenter.org/fhm-event-re...

A full room of attendees listen to speakers at True Reformer Hall in Washington, D.C.

From left to right: DC Office of Human Rights Interim Director Elizabeth Fox-Solomon, Chief of Services to End and Prevent Homelessness at the Montgomery County DHHS Christine Hong, ERC Fair Housing Director Susie McClannahan, Director of the Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs Michael Simms, Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Executive Director Cleveland Horton, ERC Executive Director Kate Scott, and Chief of the Civil Rights and Elder Justice Section at the DC Office of the Attorney General Alicia Lendon.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Landlords often require tenants to meet a minimum income requirement, like three times the monthly rent. If you use a housing voucher, the landlord can only require that you meet the income requirement for your portion of rent, not the whole rent amount. equalrightscenter.org/wp-content/u...

Text reads: Example minimum income requirement calculations for a voucher holder: Total rent ($2,000 per month) x3 = likely illegal minimum income requirement: $6,000 per month or $72,000 per year. Amount covered by voucher ($1,800 per month) plus renter's portion ($200 per month) x3 = legal minimum income requirement: $600 per month or $7,200 per year.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Do you live in Montgomery County, MD? The County's Community Needs Assessment Survey is now open until March 8! Your input shapes how the County spends federal funds over the next 5 years to address housing, community improvements, and service needs. form.jotform.com/260424410405...

Un volante en español con fondo beige claro y azul. En la parte superior, texto en azul oscuro dice "¡Queremos conocer su opinión!" y "¡Unos minutos de su tiempo tendrán un gran impacto!" El texto explica que el Condado de Montgomery desarrolla un Plan Consolidado a Cinco Años para orientar el uso de fondos de HUD, y que la opinión de la comunidad sobre vivienda, personas sin hogar, mejoras en vecindarios y servicios definirá el uso de estos fondos. Un círculo verde a la derecha indica que la encuesta cierra el 8 de marzo. Se muestran dos códigos QR: el primero para que residentes completen la encuesta en inglés o español, el segundo para partes interesadas (organizaciones comunitarias). En la esquina inferior derecha aparece el logotipo de DHCA, con edificios estilizados y una figura humana en verde y azul.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Join the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and ERC staff for a Civil Rights Symposium on Feb. 21, 9 AM at Bowie State University. Learn how local groups are addressing civil rights challenges in today's uncertain environment and collaborating to make an impact. www.eventbrite.com/e/protecting...

Text reads: Protecting Civil Rights During Challenging Times 2026 Symposium Save The Date. 21 February 2026, Saturday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Bowie State University. Student Center, 14000 Jericho Park Rd, Bowie, MD 20715. Together we will focus on addressing civil rights challenges in today's uncertain environment and the collaborative efforts needed to safeguard equity and justice for all Marylanders! Registration required. Scan QR Code or go to bit.ly/48P34rj. Questions or requests for accommodations? 410-767-8600. mccr.outreach@maryland.gov

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

A good rule of thumb is that generally two people should be allowed to reside in each bedroom. Restricting a bedroom to only one person may be illegal familial status discrimination. To report potential discrimination to the ERC, call 202-234-3062 or email info@equalrightscenter.org.

Chart reads: Number of bedrooms in unit, likely number of people that should be allowed to live in the unit. 1, 3. 2, 5. 3, 7. 4, 9. 5, 11.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

…may be violating the fair housing rights of people with disabilities. If you’ve faced overly burdensome requirements or any other potential housing discrimination related to your service or assistance animal, you can contact the ERC by calling 202-234-3062 or emailing info@equalrightscenter.org.

A woman walks through a park with a white cane and seeing eye dog. Text reads: Do you have a disability and use a service or assistance animal? Contact the ERC to learn about reasonable accommodations and your fair housing rights.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

If you’ve faced overly burdensome requirements or any other kind of housing discrimination related to your service or assistance animal, contact the ERC by calling 202-234-3062 or emailing info@equalrightscenter.org.

A man in a wheelchair and his service dog at the park. Text reads: Do you have a disability and use a service or assistance animal? Contact the ERC to learn about reasonable accommodations and your fair housing rights.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

NFHA’s 2025 Fair Housing Trends Report reveals a sharp increase in discrimination, with 32,000+ fair housing complaints filed in 2024. Despite this, recent HUD firings and federal funding cuts to organizations have weakened fair housing enforcement. nationalfairhousing.org/resource/202...

2025 Fair Housing Trends Report. Discrimination remains rampant as key investigators and fair housing enforcers were fired by HUD during the government shutdown.

2025 Fair Housing Trends Report. More than half of all complaints were on the basis of disability. Full Report Here: bit.ly/43MtsA7

2025 Fair Housing Trends Report. 32,000+ housing discrimination complaints were filed in the U.S. in 2024. Full Report Here: bit.ly/43MtsA7

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

People considered “homeless” in DC are being detained and removed from public spaces. If police think you need mental health treatment, you may be taken to the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP). Know your rights as an involuntary or voluntary patient in this situation.

Know Your Rights- If You Are Removed and Hospitalized. If you think your rights have been violated call Disability Rights DC at University of Legal Studies (202) 547-0198. If you want to know if you have a lawyer or who your lawyer is, call the Public Defender Services at (202) 824-2860. If you have already been committed, call your lawyer.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

Congress is threatening to eliminate funding for the Fair Housing Initiatives Program, which provides critical support to fair housing organizations like the ERC. Make your voice heard! Tell your reps to protect essential fair housing services and fight discrimination: bit.ly/4kHAgp4

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

Local advocacy is critical to addressing housing discrimination and combating predatory landlords and lenders. Eliminating federal funding for fair housing puts communities further at risk amid our national housing crisis. Sign the petition: chng.it/Qz4tkSbt5S

Person giving a speech in front of a protesting crowd. Text reads: Fair housing is under attack. Join the week of action. NFHA.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

The protection of fair and affordable housing is essential, not optional. Eliminating federal funding for fair housing puts communities further at risk amid our national housing crisis. Sign the petition: chng.it/Qz4tkSbt5S

Person with a megaphone standing with a protesting crowd. Text reads: Fair housing is under attack. Join the week of action. NFHA.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

The Trump admin is canceling the fair housing grants that protect victims of housing discrimination. Amid our national housing crisis, people need increased support — not a withdrawal from basic civil rights and political attacks meant to further divide us. chng.it/Qz4tkSbt5S

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

In 2024, the ERC conducted 868 civil rights tests to identify possible discrimination, helped residents address 165 cases of alleged discrimination, and trained over 3,300 housing professionals. Learn more about what we've achieved in our 2024 Annual Report: rise.articulate.com/share/1ukzAw...

Group of people smiling. Text reads: Equal Rights Center 2024 Annual Report. Read the Report.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

Arlington residents, get connected to community resources at the Live in Arlington Fair this Saturday! Come to the Walter Reed Community Center to attend workshops on homebuying, assistance programs, and an ERC-led session about identifying housing discrimination. www.laif.mycaf.org

Celebrate Fair Housing Month! Join us at 10:30 a.m. for the ceremony! Explore the Fair: free workshops, home buying, employment skills, access to industry experts, personal finance tune-up! Big raffle prize: 60" screen TV. April 26, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Walter Reed Recreation Center, 2909 16th Street S., Arlington, VA 22204. Arlington County provides accommodations as described in the ADA Act. Call at least 5 days before the event: 703-228-3765 or TTY 703-228-4611. www.laif.mycaf.org

Housing Fair. Fair Housing: An Introduction to Housing Discrimination Laws. Susie McClannahan, Fair Housing Director, Equal Rights Center. April 26, 2025. 11:10 am - 12:00 pm. Walter Reed Recreation Center, 2909 16th St. S., Arlington, VA 22204.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

Looking to buy a home in Anne Arundel County? Come to the Severn Center on Saturday to talk with real estate agents, lenders, and housing counselors. Learn about the current housing market, government financing programs for first-time homebuyers, and more! acdsinc.org/homeownershi...

Free Event! Anne Arundel County Homeownership Resource Fair. Saturday, April 26, 2025. The Severn Center, 1160 Reece Road, Severn, Maryland 21144. Join us at the Fair from 10:00 - 2:00. Meet with real estate agents, lenders & housing counselors to learn more about: current real estate market climate, government financing programs for first-time homebuyers, credit, savings and budgeting techniques. Join a first-time homebuyer class (registration is full and now closed). Food truck and activities for kids. Questions? Contact Linda DeLuca at ldeluca@acdsinc.org

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Loudoun County residents, come to the Douglass Community Center on Monday to learn about fair housing protections and connect with local partners. Between 10 AM and 1 PM you'll find community resources for renters, homebuyers, and more!

Text reads: Fair Housing Month Celebration Know Your Fair Housing Rights & Responsibilities. Monday, April 21, 2025 10:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Douglass Community Center, 407 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176, Multipurpose Room. Learn about the Fair Housing Law and fair housing rights. Discover community resources, participate in interactive trivia and meet community partners. Accessibility Services, Equal Rights Center, Dulless Area Association of Realtors, Information & Referral, LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services, Transit and commuter services, Workforce Resource Center, and more! Learn more about fair housing at: loudoun.gov/fairhousing. If you require an accommodation for any type of disability or need language assistance to participate, call 703-737-8323/TTY-711 or email housing@loudoun.gov. Three days advance notice is requested.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Come to the Laurel Multiservice Center on Saturday between 12 and 3 PM for the Laurel Housing Resource Fair! You'll find fair housing resources and guidance on how to identify and respond to possible housing discrimination. More information: www.laurelmd.gov/Calendar.asp...

City of Laurel Maryland. Housing Resource Fair. Equitable Housing for All: Know Your Rights & Resources. Saturday, April 19th 12NOON - 3PM. Craig A. Moe Laurel Multiservice Center. 204 Fort Meade Road, Laurel, MD 20707. For more information, contact: The City of Laurel's Department of Economic and Community Development. (301) 725-5300 Ext. 2301

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

Join the ERC tomorrow for a #DCFairHousingFridays webinar about tenancy screening policies and protections with the Office of Human Rights! Register here: tinyurl.com/2025FairHousingDC

Flyer advertising DC Fair Housing Friday webinars by the Office of Human Rights. Text reads: April 4 11:00 AM The Office of Human Rights Learn about faith housing laws, the DC Human Rights Act, and how to file a discrimination complaint. April 11 11:00 AM The Equal Rights Center Understand local and federal protections related to tenancy screen policies, and explore best practices for screening applicants. April 18 11:00 AM The Department of Housing and Community Development & the Office of Disability Rights ADA reasonable accommodation and modification in fair housing: Examples in service animals, parking, structural changes, and accessible units with insights on affirmative fair housing marketing. April 25 11:00 AM the Office of the DC Attorney General Discover how the office enforces fair housing laws in a way that differs from OHR and tackles Source of Income discrimination.

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Celebrate Fair Housing Month by joining us and District partners for a #DCFairHousingFridays webinar series, where experts will break down housing protections and resources in DC! Register here: tinyurl.com/2025FairHousingDC

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Legal Aid DC invites community members to a listening session on the various bills being introduced by the DC Council related to ERAP, affordable housing, eviction, rent control, and utilities. This event will take place on April 17 at MLK Jr. Memorial Library.

Flyer advertising Community Listening Session by Legal Aid DC. Text reads: COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION. Legal Aid DC wants to hear from you! Legal Aid DC invites members of the community to a listening session on the various bills being introduced by the DC Council related to ERAP, affordable housing, eviction, rent control, and utilities. Your input and ideas will help us better serve our neighbors! When: Thursday, April 17th, 5pm - 7pm. Where: MLK Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, Washington, DC, Conference room 401-F. Who can attend? We welcome anyone who is willing to share their perspective and experience as a DC resident. You do not need to be a current or former client of Legal Aid to participate. What should I expect? The session will be an open conversation where participants can share their challenges, ideas, and questions about community issues. The session will be facilitated by our Legal Aid DC Staff. Why should I join? The feedback we get from the listening session will inform our outreach, policy, and advocacy efforts and help us strengthen the DC community! By attending this session, you will understand how the proposed legislation can impact your rights as a tenant and how you work to create meaningful change in your community. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Reserve your spot here or scan the QR code. Venue is wheelchair-accessible. Questions? Email outreach@legalaiddc.org

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The Equal Rights Center @equalrightscntr.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

You're invited! Celebrate #FairHousingMonth with us at the ERC Annual Meeting on April 25th. It's time to show up and show out to support #FairHousing! This year’s theme is Weathering the Storm: Protecting Civil Rights in 2025. RSVP to attend: secure.everyaction.com/iXM604ncdEyT...

Illustration of a group of friends huddled under an umbrella. Text reads: Weathering the storm, protecting civil rights in 2025. ERC Annual Meeting. Friday, April 25, 12:00 - 1:30 PM. Equal Rights Center Office. In the CNN Building nearby Union Station. 820 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002.

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