How Martin Luther King Day Relates to Federal Fair Housing

Today is Martin Luther King Day.  Celebrate Civil Rights and the Federal Fair Housing Act.

Five days after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr, the Federal Fair Housing Act was passed.  It essentially extended the same discrimination protections contained within the 1964 Civil Rights Act to the housing industry.

Within the Federal Fair Housing Act, those individuals (realtors, lenders, property managers, etc) who facilitate a housing transaction must adhere to the rules of this Act. 

The classes of people this act protects are:

• Color
• Disability
• Familia Status  
• Parents who have one or more children under the age of 18 living with them.
• Legal guardians who have one or more children under the age of 18 living with them.
• The designee of the parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 18. This designation must have been made in writing by the child’s parent or legal guardian.
• A person in the process of being granted legal custody of a child under the age of 18.
• Pregnant women.
• National Origin
• Race
• Religion
• Sex

Examples of discriminatory housing allegations based on membership in a protected class may include, refusal to rent, unequal terms and conditions, discriminatory financing, failure to provide reasonable accommodation or modification for a person with a disability, refusal to sell, and retaliating against someone who has exercised his/her fair housing rights.  These are just a few examples.  

We've come a long way since Dr. King changed the world, but we still have a ways to go.  Discrimination still exists in our country, even in the housing industry.  If you feel you are a victim of Federal Fair Housing, you have one year to file a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division

Here at Turn Key Realty, our agents have taken extensive training on Federal Fair Housing.  We pride ourselves abiding by the rules set for by National Association of Realtors and Federal Fair Housing.

Smart Device Ideas & Basic Need Resources for the Disabled

There are seasons to the year, with fall officially started, but there are no seasons when it comes to assisting people with disabilities. Disability in the senior community can start with a fall, a stroke, a heart attack, disease, or many other factors.  Depending on the disability, these "smart devices" could be a comfort to those in need.  

Echo

In the home, an Echo is a voice command devise that can be used to add a reminder for taking medications, or as a second timer for baking a casserole. This hands-free device can help compose a shopping list or do an internet search, all from the comfort of the chair or bed.  Just "ask it"  and it will do about anything you ask it to do.  

Ring Smart Doorbell

A Ring Smart Doorbell has a motion-sensor camera and will show who's at the door, so you can decide whether to answer or not.  If the disability makes it hard to get up out of a chair or you are wheelchair-bound, this could make a huge impact by causing you less pain and stress trying to get to the door when it's not important to you.  

Smart Thermostat

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night because you are cold?  A "smart thermostat" can be adjusted from an i-phone.  Don't get out of bed to turn up the heat.  Stay under the covers and turn up the heat.  You will be toasty soon.  

Echo Connect

The Echo Connect can call emergency services for you.  All you need to do is say "Alexa, call 911"  You don't have to wear a device around your neck if you "fall down and can't get up".

These products can be found on Amazon but there are many brands and styles to suit your taste and budget.  I do not promote these brands nor do I work for the company.

Basic Need Resources

These are just a few electronics that can help seniors with disabilities, but did you know that consumer's lives can be impacted by working with Disabled Resource Services.  Even the basics can be a huge need for some.  

Bet You Didn't Know

Top 5 Requests for Toiletries

Did you know they keep a supply of (primarily) sample-size toiletries at our Fort Collins and Loveland offices for their low-income and homeless consumers? Here are the 5 products most in demand:

1. Toothbrush                  4. Razors                           
2. Toothpaste                  5. Bar soap

3. Toilet paper

Personal hygiene is an important aspect of self-esteem and self-confidence. If you have unopened toiletries or extra toilet paper that you can spare, please consider donating them by dropping them by either of the DRS offices. Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact them.  To learn more or to donate to Disabled Resource Services, please visit the website.

Fort Collins office: Terry, 970-482-2700

Loveland office: Denise, 970-667-0816

If you know a senior who could benefit from one of these devices or has a basic need, please reach out and pass the information on.  We all need to do our share to make sure our seniors are cared for and able to stay in the home they choose.  

If you know of a senior who needs to downsize or has passed, please reach out to me for resources.

Margaret @ Turnkeyrealtyco.com