Neighbor News: April Edition
"Housing is absolutely essential to human flourishing. Without stable shelter, it all falls apart."
~ Matthew Desmond
Sociologist & Principal Investigator at evictionlab.org
April is National Fair Housing Month
April 11th marks the 56th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act (FHA), a civil rights law designed to protect individuals and families from facing discrimination in access to housing. FHA makes it is unlawful to discriminate in housing because of person's race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status.

While FHA covers discriminatory practices when renting, buying and financing a home, recent studies have shown racial and ethnic bias in the home appraisal process contribute to depressed property values in majority Black and Latino neighborhoods. When the Federal Housing Finance Agency issued a request for information, Freddie Mac's internal review confirmed, "12.5 percent of homes appraised in Black communities were valued at less than the contract price compared to 7.4 percent of homes in white neighborhoods and as 9.4 percent of homes in Latino areas. This not only impacts the sale price, but also the amount of equity a person may have when refinancing, as well as one's ability to build generational wealth. You can read about this FHFA study as well as how HUD is acting to combat this bias with PAVE: An interagency task force on property appraisal and valuation equity.

Access to education and resources to help in the homebuying process are important—especially for families facing additional barriers. This Fair Housing Month, in our continued commitment to reducing barriers, Neighbor to Neighbor is excited to announce that in addition to offering in-person Homebuyer Education classes in Spanish, we have also expanded our program outside of Larimer County to include classes in Greeley.
To learn about N2N's free education opportunity for all prospective home buyers, or to register for an upcoming class, visit our Homebuyer Education page.
Fair Housing Awareness Month - Learning Opportunity
Tenant Rights & Fair Housing Laws
N2N and The Colorado Poverty Law Project are partnering up to offer this free Tenant Rights' workshop. You will learn how the Fair Housing Act protects all people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities. Guidance will also be provided on how to identify and report housing concerns.

We are offering in-person and online participation options, as well as an option for Spanish speakers. Dinner will be provided for in-person attendees, and participants will be entered to win a $100 VISA gift card at the conclusion of class.

Event Details:
April 9 from 6 PM -7:30 PM
N2N Housing Hub Community Building
1550 Blue Spruce Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Calling All Lovelanders!
N2N's 3rd Annual Morning Meet & Eat Event
On May 8, we will gather with our Loveland friends, partners and supporters for a casual breakfast and a quick annual update on N2N's work to help Loveland neighbors achieve stable housing.

As a special treat, The Group Real Estate CEO Brandon Wells will be serving up his fresh, inside scoop on local housing trends and market predictions for Loveland homeowners and prospective buyers and sellers.

This is a great opportunity to meet like-minded professionals working in housing services or the housing market, as well as interested individuals who are passionate about preserving affordable housing opportunities in Loveland. Attendance has grown each year, so we hope our Loveland folks will plan to join us once again - and bring a new friend or two!
Save These Summer Dates!
Welcome Home Benefit
September 12, 2024, 5:30 PM
NEW VENUE! The Lincoln Center
Home Is Where The Heart Is
August 8, 2024, 5:30 PM
The Sweet Heart Winery
Curious about how you can get involved with Neighbor to Neighbor?

We have a variety of seasonal volunteer opportunities throughout the year, as well as some office and project work that comes up. Please fill out our quick Volunteer Interest Form and tell us what type of project or service sparks your interest!