Recognizing The Month Of April 2023 As The Annual National Fair Housing Month In The State Of Delaware.
The resolution serves as a reminder about the ongoing challenges related to housing equity and the lack of affordable housing in Delaware. It points out the significant statistics concerning housing costs in the state, including that approximately 76% of Delaware households with incomes below 30% of the Area Median Income spend over half of their income on housing. Furthermore, the resolution underscores the need for legislative action to amend the Delaware Fair Housing Act, particularly concerning housing discrimination based on government rental assistance.
HCR33, also known as the resolution recognizing April 2023 as National Fair Housing Month in Delaware, commemorates the 55th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the 54th anniversary of Delaware's Fair Housing Act. The resolution highlights the importance of fair housing practices by addressing discrimination in housing transactions based on race, color, religion, and national origin, and extends protections to include creed, sex, marital status, family status, source of income, age, sexual orientation, and disability. It emphasizes the need for continued commitment to fair and equitable housing in the state.
The overall sentiment surrounding HCR33 appears to be one of solidarity and urgency regarding housing issues. Legislators from both parties, represented in the resolution's sponsorship, recognize the significance of fair housing as a fundamental civil right and focus on the need for greater awareness surrounding housing instability and discrimination. The resolution is thus framed as an opportunity for advocacy and education toward improving the housing landscape in Delaware.
While HCR33 itself is a resolution rather than a bill proposing amendments, it does raise awareness of pending legislation aimed at preventing discrimination against users of government rental assistance. The discussion around the need to address barriers to stable housing reflects broader societal debates about the effectiveness of current housing policies and the adequacy of legislative measures to combat homelessness and ensure affordable housing for vulnerable populations in Delaware.