A recent government meeting highlighted significant findings regarding housing discrimination in Oak Park, Illinois, focusing on source of income discrimination and compliance with the Just Housing Amendment. The discussion was led by representatives from the Hopefair Housing Center, a civil rights organization dedicated to ensuring equitable housing access.

The meeting began with an overview of the investigation's purpose: to assess whether housing providers were violating the Just Housing Amendment and engaging in source of income discrimination. The Hopefair Housing Center emphasized that under the Illinois Human Rights Act, source of income—including housing choice vouchers—is a protected class, meaning landlords cannot discriminate based on how tenants support themselves financially.

Investigators conducted tests on six housing providers in Oak Park, discovering that none complied with legal standards regarding the treatment of voucher holders. Many landlords required applicants to demonstrate income levels that effectively excluded voucher holders, violating state and county guidelines. For instance, one provider demanded that applicants earn three and a half times the rent, a policy that categorically disqualified all voucher holders.

The findings also revealed broader issues with the Just Housing Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on arrest and conviction records. Investigators assessed seven housing providers and found that none had satisfactory policies in place. Most providers were unable to articulate their policies regarding conviction records, often deferring to third-party screening companies for decisions, which is not permissible under the law.

The Hopefair Housing Center's investigation underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring fair housing practices and highlights the need for increased awareness and compliance among housing providers. The organization plans to pursue further actions based on these findings, aiming to foster a more equitable housing landscape in the region.