[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 32 (Wednesday, March 16, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S2844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES OF NORTHERN DELAWARE

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President. I rise today to recognize Fair 
Housing Month and the efforts of Housing Opportunities of Northern 
Delaware, HOND. On April 4, 2005, HOND will hold their 22nd Annual 
Proclamation Signing Ceremony. Their theme for this year will be 
``Diversifying our neighborhoods with quality by building relationships 
through culture and lifestyles.''
  In April 2005, the nation will observe the 37th anniversary of the 
passage of the Fair Housing Act, the groundbreaking legislation that 
affirmed in this country the right of every citizen to obtain the 
housing of their choice without being limited by race, color, religion, 
national origin, sex, disability or familial status.
  Housing Opportunities of Northern Delaware, Inc. is a non-profit 
organization promoting fair and equal housing opportunities in the sale 
and rental of housing in Delaware. HOND also provides housing programs 
which support the mission of equal access to housing and provides 
information about the law and housing programs available to Delaware 
residents. HOND is governed by a board of directors composed of a 
cross-section of business and community representatives.
  HOND is unique in that they were created primarily to provide fair 
housing law education to Delaware residents. Their mission is to 
eradicate housing discrimination through education, advocacy, and 
enforcement of local and national laws, and to promote fair and equal 
access to housing in rental, sales, homeowner insurance, and mortgages 
wherever one may choose to live.
  It is well known that fair housing opens doors of opportunity. To 
communicate this belief, HOND focuses its activities around six 
functions. The first is education. HOND provides current information 
about housing and fair housing practices to existing community groups 
and counseling agencies. A variety of workshops, seminars and 
literature are developed for consumers, community groups, housing 
professionals and private business persons.
  The second is compliance. HOND works with and encourages realtors, 
bankers, apartment managers, landlords and others to comply with fair 
housing regulations. HOND also works closely with government agencies 
including FDIC, HUD, State Human Relations Office and Commission, the 
City of Wilmington and New Castle County.
  Direct assistance is the third function. HOND provides assistance and 
counseling to individuals who believe they are victims of unfair 
housing practices. HOND works with community groups and counseling 
agencies that are interested in fair housing.
  The fourth function is advocacy. HOND monitors legislation of local, 
State, and national levels and serves as an advocate for fair housing.
  Research is the fifth function. HOND develops and conducts research 
projects to eliminate inequitable housing practices. Consumers, 
community groups, and public and private housing organizations 
participate in these research projects.
  Finally, there are special projects. HOND works with community 
groups, agencies, and others who have projects in mind to promote fair 
housing.
  I rise today to thank Housing Opportunities of Northern Delaware, 
Inc. for all that they do in Delaware to better the lives of our 
residents. Their focus on serving our community is laudable, and I look 
forward watching their continued success and the impact it has on the 
people of Delaware.

                          ____________________