Fair housing for veterans discussed at Henrico event
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Fair housing is a right in America, but veterans seem to have a particularly tough time making sure their rights are protected, speakers said yesterday at a program in Henrico County sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
"Fair housing is a national mandate, the law of the land since 1968," said keynote speaker Bryan Greene, deputy assistant secretary in HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
"It was the crowning jewel of a series of civil-rights legislation and veterans were at the forefront of the civil-rights movement," Greene said. "A lot of veterans have availed themselves of the benefits of the Fair Housing Act."
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In 2010, we should not be debating housing rights as a basic and undeniable human right. Unfortunately, we continue to see unfair practices when it comes to equitable distribution of housing related to minorities, the disabled, veterans and the poor. In a society where social and economical disparities exist, the right for a place to call home as a sanctuary should not be up for discussion. Veterans are also members of the disable and homeless communities. As a society we really do need to set a level of priorities with how we look at our Democracy and our future. Social Justice is defined by the right of all to have the same opportunities, and where an unbalance exists, we rise to the occasion and right the wrong. Social activism has proven to be the way to affect change. Equality of opportunity and Equality of Outcome are the goals. When it comes to balancing the equation, there is no argument that if we do not rise together as a society we are surely doomed to fail. For too long some of us have felt secure with our status and look away from the less fortunate. In an economic climate in which people continue to loose their jobs, their homes and in which universal health care is still not a reality, the slippery slope from having to not having can be disastrously quick.
I remember quite well not having a job and in danger of being homeless and having to join the military in order to avoid been out in the streets. I am now a veteran and do not regret the service I gave to my country. The need for affordable and inclusionary housing for all community members must continue to be at the forefront of our legislative efforts. The Fair Housing Act can not be sidestepped.
I recently saw again a sign that read " It will be a great day in America when education is fully funded and the pentagon has to hold a bake sale in order to pay for a bomber". Notwithstanding our need to defend our freedom and the unfortunate need for a standing army, the statement stands true. Freedom must also be defined by having the equal opportunity to develop and grow. There is no future for the growth of our nation if we do not continue to be vigilant and proactive about education opportunities, housing fairness and stopping all discriminatory practices.
-George D. Perezvelez
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