Fair Housing Center CEO George Thomas outlines Toledo's action plan to eliminate housing barriers

At a recent Toledo government meeting, the focus was on advancing fair housing initiatives as part of the 2025-2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan. George Thomas, CEO of the Fair Housing Center, emphasized the importance of community feedback in shaping an action plan aimed at removing barriers to fair housing choice.

Thomas highlighted that the city has previously taken significant steps based on community input, and this new plan aims to build on that progress. He outlined 14 key barriers identified through extensive community engagement, including issues like discrimination against housing voucher holders and the need for more accessible housing for individuals with disabilities.

One major concern discussed was the impact of criminal history screening on housing access, particularly for Black and Latino families. Thomas pointed out a new state law that allows individuals to obtain a certificate of qualified housing, which could help mitigate this barrier. He also stressed the need for increased homeownership opportunities for minority communities, as the city has shifted towards a majority tenant population.

The meeting also addressed the pressing issue of homelessness and the need for affordable housing. Thomas noted that local laws sometimes complicate access to housing services, and he called for efforts to streamline these processes. Additionally, he mentioned the importance of public transportation in ensuring that marginalized communities can access housing and services.

As the city moves forward with this action plan, Thomas urged residents to participate in the ongoing dialogue about fair housing, reinforcing that community input is crucial for effective policy-making. The Fair Housing Center's analysis and action plan are available online for public review, inviting further engagement from Toledo's residents.