As part of Fair Housing Month, all area landlords, property owners and managers will have an opportunity, on Thursday, April 28th, to network with each other and hear from a panel of experts about Fair Housing best practices, rental incentives available, managing requests for reasonable accommodations and ways they can potentially benefit from various housing and tax credit programs.
The free event will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bessemer Recreation Center at 100 14th Street South in Bessemer. Presented by United Way of Central Alabama’s Priority Veteran program together with the City of Bessemer, the networking and Fair Housing event will include a panel of housing experts who will discuss, and answer questions about, how landlords can:
- Protect their assets and investments in accordance with Fair Housing laws.
- Grow their business by offering affordable housing to lower-income individuals and families, including U.S. military veterans.
- Take advantage of rental subsidy and tax credit programs.
- Manage requests for reasonable accommodations.
Toraine Norris, Director of the Bessemer Economic and Community Development Department said, “The City of Bessemer is pleased to partner on this event bringing landlords together to learn about Fair Housing. Our community is experiencing an increase in demand for affordable, quality housing. Landlords and Fair Housing practices are essential to making Bessemer a great place to work and live.”
Lula Skowronek, Director of United Way of Central Alabama’s Priority Veteran program agreed. “There is a growing need for affordable rental properties in Bessemer and Birmingham,” she said. “Programs like Priority Veteran can help match landlords with renters and can provide some temporary rental assistance to ensure the tenant has a strong foundation for housing stability.”
Landlords can learn more about Priority Veteran and other news pertaining to rentals at the event, which will feature door prizes and food from Chef Julia May’s Homestyle Kitchen. Registration is encouraged and is free at www.eunited.org/landlord. Find details about United Way Priority Veteran at www.priorityveteran.org.