Mahoning puts focus on fair housing

April 15, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

AUSTINTOWN

Mahoning County commissioners have adopted a resolution declaring April Fair Housing Month.

Anne Deascentis, fair housing coordinator of the Office of Management and Budget, told commissioners at their meeting Thursday that the resolution aims to call attention to the importance of fair housing, as well as ways to detect discrimination.

Deascentis had no local figures but said an estimated 4 million housing-discrimination complaints are filed annually in the U.S. The incidence has increased in recent years partly because of the economic downturn and the number of home foreclosures, she noted.

The federal Fair Housing Act was established in 1968 and has been amended several times, Deascentis said.

Deascentis said her office usually refers such complaints to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission in Akron, though people who feel they have been treated unfairly can call the Board of Mahoning County Commissioners‘ Fair Housing office at 330-740-8799, Ext. 2.

In other business, Jim Petuch, director of the Mahoning County Green Team, announced an appliance recycling drive for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 23 at the Covelli Centre.

Among the items accepted will be refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, freezers, washing machines and dryers.

In addition, the Green Team is sponsoring a clothing and household-items drive, set for 9 a.m. to noon May 7 at Canfield Village Middle School, 42 Wadsworth St.

Items that will be accepted for local charities include canned goods, curtains, beds and bedding, first-aid and kitchen items, carpeting free of stains, odors and rips, luggage and kids toys, clothing and shoes.

For more information, call 330-941-2238 or 330-272-2138.