Students spread word on fair housing

The following is a press release from the Community Action Agency of Somerville:

April is Fair Housing Month, and students at Somerville’s Healey and Kennedy Schools are finding creative ways to spread the word that everyone deserves a fair chance at housing.  Students in third and fifth grade classes are taking part in a Fair Housing Poster Contest, sponsored by the Somerville Fair Housing Commission.  Contest entries are due March 26.

“Students understand that just because a family comes from another country or speaks another language, or because they have little children, or pay their rent with a voucher, that is no reason for a landlord to refuse to rent to them,” explained Stacy Pires, chair of the Fair Housing Commission.  “But not all adults understand that discrimination in housing is against the law.  We are proud of Somerville students for helping inform the public about Fair Housing.”

First- and second-place winners of the poster contest will receive savings bonds courtesy of Wainwright Bank and Winter Hill Federal Savings Bank.  Contestants who come in third will win a pizza party for their whole class courtesy of local pizzerias, Pires said. 

The Somerville Fair Housing Commission promotes goodwill, increases understanding, and minimizes discrimination in housing.  The Commission is composed of five City residents appointed by the mayor for three-year terms.  Currently, the Commissioners are Stacy Pires, Terry Christopher, and Dennis Fischman.  If you are a local realtor or lender, or a low- or moderate-income tenant, and you would be interested in serving on the Commission, please call Vicki Wairi at the Housing Division of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, 617-625-6600 x 2588.