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June 27, 2006
LOCAL HOUSING AUTHORITIES DISCRIMINATE AGAINST PARENTS WHO HAVE DISABILITIES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2006 CONTACT: Carrie Ann Lucas 303.839.0015
Amy F. Robertson 303.595.9700
LOCAL HOUSING AUTHORITIES DISCRIMINATE AGAINST PARENTS WHO HAVE DISABILITIES
Englewood and Littleton Housing Authorities prohibit children in disabled housing
DENVER -- Today the Center for Rights of Parents with Disabilities at the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (“CRPD”) sued the Littleton Housing Authority and the Englewood Housing Authority for refusing to allow parents who have disabilities to reside in disabled housing.
The Littleton and Englewood Housing Authorities refuse to allow single parents with disabilities who have one child rent apartments in buildings that are reserved for people with disabilities and elderly individuals.
“Denying people housing because their family includes children is discrimination and against the law” stated Carrie Ann Lucas, the CPRD’s director and attorney. “It’s hard enough for single parents with disabilities to find affordable and accessible housing. Englewood and Littleton’s discrimination makes that housing search more difficult.”
Last fall the CRPD discovered the discrimination while creating a resource guide for parents with disabilities. The CRPD wrote to both housing authorities who replied back and promised they didn’t discriminate. Earlier this month the CRPD discovered the discrimination continues.
For nearly 28 years the Fair Housing Act has prohibited housing providers from refusing to allow families who have children under 18 to reside in their buildings. Even buildings reserved for people with disabilities and the elderly have to allow children within the limits of non-discriminatory occupancy restrictions.
The Center for Rights of Parents with Disabilities combats discrimination that impacts parenting for parents with disabilities, through direct services, education, research and training. The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition is Colorado’s largest statewide cross-disability organization run by and for individuals with disabilities. The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition has over 3000 members statewide.
The CRPD is also represented by Fox & Robertson, P.C., who were lead counsel in the recent landmark nationwide class-action settlement against Kmart.
The lawsuit seeks Court-ordered changes to the Englewood and Littleton Housing Authority’s policies, unspecified damages for the plaintiffs and attorneys’ fees.
A copy of the filed complaint is attached in .pdf format. If you need an accessible version, please contact info@ccdconline.org
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Posted by Carrie Ann Lucas