Toms River To Host 50th Anniversary Fair Housing Seminar

TOMS RIVER – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Toms River Township and Solutions to End Poverty Soon (STEPS) are co-sponsoring a free, one-day fair housing accessibility seminar Wednesday, April 18th in Toms River.   This is the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, which was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968.

Developers, builders, and administrators of housing will learn about what it means to comply with Fair Housing Regulations.  Residents will learn about what their rights are and how to file a Fair Housing Complaint.  Fair Housing counselors will be present to listen to residents and their concerns.

The seminar will focus on such topics as how the fair housing act and other related legislation protects residents from housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability and familial status.

Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher said, “This free, day-long seminar will provide an overview of the rules and specifications required by fair housing laws.  This conference is important because residents should understand the laws and what rights they have so they can fully use and enjoy their homes.”

Featured speaker for the event is Lynne Patton, Regional Administrator of Region II U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The Regional Administrator serves as HUD’s liaison to mayors, city managers, elected representatives, state and local officials, members of Congress, private and non-profit developers, and customers.  They oversee the delivery of HUD programs and services to communities and evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness.  There are 10 regional administrators in the United States.  Lynn will present on the history of the Fair Housing Act.

“For the past 50 years, HUD has lead the charge to protect tenants from discrimination and I commend the Township of Toms River for bringing together stakeholders and residents to raise awareness of the unacceptable reality that discrimination continues to adversely affect tenants and their families,” said Lynne Patton, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey.  “I look forward to working with all involved to ensure they are aware of the HUD resources available to them, so that the Toms River community can one day eradicate the silos of housing discrimination.”

The seminar is scheduled to run from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.  It will take place at Toms River Town Hall, 33 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, L. Manuel Hirshblond Room.

Parking is available behind the Municipal Building or at the Ocean County parking garage, located at 129 Hooper Avenue, about 1 ½ blocks. Free parking is also available on lot at West Water and Irons Streets.