Local coalition Lincoln For Fair Housing issued the following statement after the Lincoln City Council voted 7-0 to place a proposed ordinance to eliminate source-of-income housing discrimination on the May 6 municipal ballot.
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“Today, the Lincoln City Council placed this initiative on the city’s general election ballot. Doing so allows our city’s voters to stamp out source-of-income discrimination for good.
“On May 6, Lincoln can stand up for fairness, opportunity, and a stronger, safer, healthier Lincoln for all. Voting FOR fair housing will help make Lincoln a place where everyone has a fair shot at a safe and stable home.
“Our coalition has gathered signatures and engaged Lincolnites about why no one should be denied a home simply because they use housing vouchers, disability benefits, Social Security, or other lawful income sources to pay rent. We needed 8,900 signatures to put this initiative on the ballot; in just over a month, more than 15,300 Lincolnites signed in support. This is clear evidence that, when presented with facts, Lincolnites overwhelmingly support fair housing.
“Source-of-income housing discrimination hurts families, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, and it can lead to so many other social, economic, and public safety issues. Nearly half of Lincoln renters are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. And one in three Lincolnites with housing vouchers struggle to find landlords who will accept them, even though these vouchers guarantee rent payments.
“Luckily, the solution is simple, and between now and Election Day, we will knock on doors, make calls, and talk to our neighbors so Lincoln voters understand what is at stake. We invite every Lincolnite who believes in fairness and opportunity to learn more, volunteer, and help us pass this long-overdue protection. Visit FairHousingLNK.org to get involved, find key facts, and learn how to make a difference.”
