35 Years of Standing for Justice: SDHF and the Fair Housing Movement

 
 
 
 

35 Years of Standing for Justice: SDHF and the Fair Housing Movement

 

For 35 years, the San Diego Housing Federation has been committed to building a future where everyone—regardless of race, income, or background—has access to safe, affordable housing. One of the most enduring pillars of this mission is our unwavering support for Fair Housing.

The Legacy of Fair Housing

The Fair Housing Act of 1968, passed as part of the Civil Rights Act, was a landmark law that outlawed housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a direct response to decades of discriminatory practices like redlining, the systematic denial of loans and insurance to communities based on race, and disinvestment in urban communities of color.

Despite the progress the Fair Housing Act represented, the promise of Fair Housing remains an ongoing fight. Systemic inequality still affects access to housing, and the need for education, enforcement, and advocacy remains as urgent as ever.

SDHF’s Commitment to Fair Housing

Fair Housing has always been a core value of the San Diego Housing Federation. Since 2017, we’ve deepened this commitment by actively supporting and partnering with the San Diego Regional Alliance for Fair Housing (SDRAFFH), strengthening our efforts to advance housing equity in the region.

Each April, we honor Fair Housing Month through programs and partnerships that educate, uplift, and inspire. Through events, workshops, and collaboration with partners like SDRAFFH, we help inform residents of their rights and promote best practices among housing professionals. We ensure that property managers, developers, and service providers are trained in Fair Housing laws, creating communities where equity is not just a goal, but a standard.

Celebrating Voices for Justice

Each year, SDRAFFH brings together voices at the forefront of housing equity through its annual Fair Housing Conference. Over the years, keynote speakers have included trailblazers such as:

  • Dr. Antwi Akom, whose work in “Urban Acupuncture” and people-centered design brings innovation to urban planning and affordable housing.

  • Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law, whose research has reshaped our understanding of how policy has driven segregation and inequality.

  • Dr. Manuel Pastor, whose books and lectures on equity and community-based development provide a roadmap for inclusive prosperity.

Insights from speakers such as these help us challenge outdated systems and envision bold new futures for housing justice.

The Work Ahead

Today, housing discrimination continues to manifest in new ways, often exacerbated by a lack of available and affordable housing. This scarcity deepens racial and economic disparities and limits opportunity for far too many.

At SDHF, we know that advancing Fair Housing means more than preventing discrimination—it means pushing for abundant housing choices, inclusive communities, and a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We remain committed to educating residents on their Fair Housing rights, training housing professionals to uphold and promote equity, and advocating for policies that expand housing access and economic opportunity for all.

Join the Movement

As we celebrate 35 years of impact, we recommit ourselves to the promise of Fair Housing. But we can’t do it alone.

Your support enables us to educate, advocate, and build systems that truly serve everyone. A donation to SDHF directly fuels our Fair Housing initiatives, helping ensure every San Diegan can live free from discrimination and full of opportunity.

Donate today and be part of the change.

 
 
 
 
35th Anniversary CampaignIsabella Anderson35th AnniversaryComment