A number of businesses and organizations have partnered with the St. Lawrence County Fair Housing Task Force to promote April as Fair Housing Month.

Each year, St. Lawrence County commemorates the passage of the Federal Fair Housing Act which prohibits discrimination when selling or leasing a home.

Beginning at the end of March, partners including the attorney general’s office, the county board of realtors, HUD, the Massena Independent Living Center, NBT Bank, the North Country Housing Council and North Country Savings Bank all agreed to help supply or staff the task force’s booths at the Ogdensburg Expo, the Really Big Show in Potsdam, and at the Home Show in Massena.

“JCC’s annual survey for St. Lawrence County reported 13% of residents who were renting or buying a home over the past year experienced housing discrimination,” explained Matilda M. Larson, a county planner who helps staff the task force.

Larson went on to say the survey showed discrimination affected all age groups, but affected women under the age of 30 the most.

Larson said people who attend the expos can stop by the booth to learn about housing discrimination and where to go for help.

“With the tremendous support we received from our partners, the task force was able to order promotional materials to help raise awareness about housing discrimination.”

Information at the booth includes the Tenant’s Rights Handbook, brochures about the Fair Housing Act, a booklet on financing a home, and how to report discrimination.

The Fair Housing booth will be set up at the Really Big Show in Potsdam April 28 and 29, and at Massena’s Home Show May 6.

For those who would like to obtain more information about Fair Housing, but are unable to attend any of the shows, Larson said they can call the county planning office at 315-379-2292.