[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 56 (Monday, April 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING FAIR HOUSING MONTH AND HONORING OPEN COMMUNITIES FOR ITS 
                   COMMITMENT TO FAIR HOUSING FOR ALL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2014

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise during Fair Housing Month to 
recognize the 46th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act 
and to honor Open Communities, a nonprofit organization in the suburban 
Chicago district I represent that is working to defend and protect 
fair, just housing for all.
   In 1968, in the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, the Fair Housing 
Act was enacted, guaranteeing freedom from racial, ethnic, gender, 
religious, disability, sexual and marital discrimination in housing.
   Today, Open Communities honors this legacy and protects these rights 
throughout the communities I represent. Founded in 1972, this 
organization educates individuals, officials, real-estate professionals 
and many others on fair housing standards.
   Open Communities also conducts critical advocacy and offers 
assistance with claims and attorney referrals-all free of charge to the 
community.
   Open Communities works to create a welcoming, inclusive community 
where all can come together, build their lives and raise their 
families. Born out of the Civil Rights Movement, Open Communities is 
carrying on the work that began in the 1960s and even further back.
   The dedicated staff at Open Communities demonstrates a true, 
unwavering commitment to protecting fair housing rights and furthering 
the development of welcoming communities.
   Mr. Speaker, our communities are best and strongest when they are 
fair and just and open. Open Communities honors the legacy of the Fair 
Housing Act, furthers the themes of Fair Housing Month, realizes a 
vision for more welcoming communities and brings the Tenth District 
closer together.
   I am incredibly grateful for Open Communities' dedicated service, 
and I am proud to mark the 46th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act.

                          ____________________