At ABC Realty Twin Cities, we believe that everyone deserves a fair opportunity to find a place they can truly call home. April marks Fair Housing Month—a time to honor the legacy of the Fair Housing Act, which was signed into law on April 11, 1968, and to reflect on how we can continue pushing toward equity in housing for all Minnesotans.
Fair housing goes beyond following the law—it’s about creating thriving, inclusive communities where no one is denied housing based on their background or identity. In Minnesota, fair housing protections cover a wide range of identities, including race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, marital status, and more. These protections are grounded in civil rights legislation such as the Fair Housing Act, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
But the work doesn’t stop at legal compliance. Fair housing means proactively addressing barriers to homeownership, providing families with real choices about where they can live, and shrinking longstanding disparities in access to housing—especially for communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
How We Can All Support Fair Housing:
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Learn the history: Understanding how housing discrimination has shaped our cities is key. Explore resources like the Mapping Prejudice Project and follow updates on policies challenging racial covenants and systemic housing inequality.
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Know your rights: The HUD Fair Housing Office and Minnesota Department of Human Rights provide tools to learn about your housing rights and report any discrimination.
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Stay informed and involved: Follow discussions and events hosted by community groups like Racism, Rent, and Real Estate: Fair Housing Reframed to hear stories, policy updates, and community efforts across Minnesota.
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Support tenants and partners: Property owners, developers, and housing providers all play a role. Resources like the Affirmative Fair Housing Market Plan (AFHMP) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) help guide ethical, equitable housing practices.
At ABC Realty Twin Cities, we’re committed to advocating for inclusive housing solutions that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of our community. Housing is the foundation for opportunity—and together, we can help ensure it’s fair and accessible for all.
Looking for housing support or resources? Visit the HousingLink Resource Page for up-to-date information on affordable rentals, tenant rights, and fair housing tools.
Want to take action? Learn more about your civil rights and report discrimination online through the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
At ABC Realty Twin Cities, we’re here to support you in finding a place where you can feel safe, respected, and at home.
