Equitable Access to Housing

Equitable access means that everyone should be able to secure decent housing, obtain educational and economic opportunities, and benefit from public services regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, age, or where they live in Bellingham.

Of course, the data tells us that this is not the case. While many of our neighbors are struggling with the high cost of living – and of housing especially – comparing the data by demographics tell us that some groups are struggling even more than others.

What can the City do to try to address this? Take a look at some of the data we’ve compiled below and review the Assessment of Fair Housing to find out more.

What is Fair Housing? Fair Housing refers to a federal law that prohibits discrimination in the purchase, sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, marital status, age, or ancestry. It doesn’t deal directly with housing affordability.