Southwest Fair Housing Council Resolves Disability and Retaliation Discrimination Case Through Confidential Settlement

TUCSON, AZ — [6/12/2025] — Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC), in coordination with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division, has reached a confidential settlement agreement with a Tucson-area housing provider to resolve allegations of disability-based housing discrimination and unlawful retaliation.

The complaint, brought forward by a tenant with a disability, alleged that the housing provider failed to accommodate her needs and later retaliated against her after she exercised her rights under the Arizona Fair Housing Act (AFHA). While the terms of the settlement do not include an admission of wrongdoing, the resolution establishes specific corrective actions, including mandatory fair housing training for staff, removal of credit penalties, and financial compensation for the Complainant.

“Even today, people with disabilities face unjust barriers when trying to access safe and stable housing,” said Jay Young, Executive Director of SWFHC. “Every Arizonan—regardless of ability—deserves dignity and equal opportunity in their housing experience.”

As part of the Agreement, the housing provider will undergo HUD-compliant fair housing training and update their internal policies to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws. These proactive steps aim to reduce the likelihood of future violations and build a more inclusive housing environment for all.

SWFHC remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate housing discrimination across Arizona and urges anyone who believes their fair housing rights have been violated contact SWFHC for guidance and support.

About Soutwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC):

Southwest Fair Housing Council works to eliminate all forms of illegal housing discrimination across Arizona. Through community outreach, education, research, and enforcement, SWFHC ensures that every Arizonan—regardless of race, disability, income, or background—has access to fair and equitable housing opportunities.

Media Contact:
Tasha Lynch
Manager of Operations and Investigations
tasha@swfhc.org

Southwest Fair Housing Council Reaches Settlement in Housing Discrimination Case Involving Disability Rights

TUCSON, AZ — [6/21/2025] — Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC), in partnership with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division, has reached a no-fault settlement agreement with a housing provider following a complaint involving alleged discrimination based on disability.

The complaint alleged that a housing provider failed to provide a reasonable accommodation as required under the Arizona Fair Housing Act (AFHA). The settlement resolves the matter without an admission of wrongdoing. Still, it includes specific terms aimed at improving compliance with fair housing laws. These terms include mandatory fair housing training for staff, the prominent display of fair housing posters, and a financial resolution for the affected party.

“This agreement underscores the ongoing need to educate housing providers about their legal responsibilities under fair housing laws,” said Jay Young, Executive Director of SWFHC. “While we cannot disclose specific details, we can say that this resolution represents progress in our mission to ensure equal housing access for people with disabilities across Arizona.”

SWFHC remains committed to protecting the housing rights of all Arizonans, particularly those most vulnerable to discriminatory practices. The organization thanks the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for its partnership in helping resolve this matter and for holding housing providers accountable to state and federal laws.

If you or someone you know has experienced housing discrimination or needs assistance requesting a reasonable accommodation, contact SWFHC to learn more about your rights.

About Soutwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC):

Southwest Fair Housing Council works to eliminate all forms of illegal housing discrimination across Arizona. Through community outreach, education, research, and enforcement, SWFHC ensures that every Arizonan—regardless of race, disability, income, or background—has access to fair and equitable housing opportunities.

Media Contact:
Tasha Lynch
Manager of Operations and Investigations
tasha@swfhc.org

Southwest Fair Housing Council Stands Firm Against Proposed Cuts to Critical Fair Housing Funding

TUCSON, AZ – [May 8, 2025] – Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC) strongly opposes President Trump's FY26 federal budget proposal, which seeks to eliminate critical funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). The proposed cuts threaten essential services that protect Arizonans against housing discrimination, endangering housing stability for vulnerable community members across the state.

FHIP, a bipartisan-supported program established during the Reagan Administration, empowers local non-profit organizations to address housing and lending discrimination. It provides crucial assistance to groups including disabled veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, and families with children. This funding is vital for ensuring fair housing opportunities, enhancing local educational efforts, and combating predatory practices like redlining and discriminatory lending.

"This proposal to zero out FHIP funding isn't just a policy misstep—it's a direct threat to the rights and security of thousands of Arizonans," said Jay Young, Executive Director of SWFHC. "For decades, these funds have allowed us to combat housing discrimination, provide critical education, and offer assistance to those facing injustices. Removing this support would significantly harm vulnerable communities and worsen Arizona's housing crisis."

In 2023 alone, FHIP-funded organizations handled over 75% of the nation's housing discrimination complaints, substantially reducing federal expenditures by addressing issues proactively and efficiently. These efforts save taxpayers money by decreasing homelessness and the need for costly emergency interventions.

"Housing discrimination is not just a legal issue—it profoundly impacts the lives of real people in Arizona every day," stated Tasha Lynch, Manager of Operations and Investigations at SWFHC. "The proposed cuts would severely limit our capacity to advocate for and protect those most in need, including veterans, seniors, and families with children. We urge Congress to prioritize FHIP funding to sustain our critical work."

SWFHC calls upon Arizona's congressional delegation and community members to reject these proposed cuts and advocate for robust FHIP funding. Continued federal support is essential to maintaining fair housing protections and fostering inclusive communities throughout Arizona.

For more information or to support fair housing initiatives in Arizona, please visit https://www.swfhc.org/giving.

About Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC):

Southwest Fair Housing Council is dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination in Arizona. Through education, advocacy, research, and enforcement, SWFHC ensures equal housing opportunities, fostering vibrant, inclusive communities where every Arizonan can thrive.

Media Contact: Tasha Lynch
Title: Manager of Operations and Investigations
Email: tasha@swfhc.org