Supreme Court of AZ Authorizes Fair Housing Initiatives Program Employees To Represent Aggrieved Persons In Fair Housing Cases

Phoenix, AZ – June 5, 2024 – In a milestone judgment, the Supreme Court of Arizona has issued Administrative Order No. 2024-89, granting employees of Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) organizations, like Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC), the authority to represent aggrieved individuals in administrative proceedings. This order, requested by the Civil Rights Division of the Arizona Attorney General's Office, aims to improve access to justice for individuals facing housing discrimination and instability.

Under the new directive, SWFHC employees can now provide representation, advice, and assistance to alleged victims of housing discrimination during the Division's fair housing investigations, mediations, and conciliations. FHIP organizations, recognized as qualified fair housing enforcement bodies under 24 CFR § 123.103, possess the necessary federal qualifications to conduct fair housing testing, investigate violations, and advocate for enforcement rights on behalf of aggrieved persons.

This significant development aligns with the Strategic Agenda goal of enhancing access to justice for underrepresented communities. By allowing FHIP employees to represent individuals, the regulatory barriers previously imposed by rules governing the unauthorized practice of law have been effectively removed.

"This decision marks a pivotal step forward in our fight against housing discrimination," said Jay Young, Executive Director of SWFHC. "Empowering SWFHC employees to represent aggrieved individuals ensures that victims of discrimination have the support and representation they need to achieve justice and stability in their housing situations."

The order stipulates that for representation to occur, the aggrieved person must agree to be represented by the FHIP organization. Additionally, the FHIP organization must be a Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) grantee in good standing and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at the time of representation. The representative must also be employed by the FHIP organization during the time of representation.

This groundbreaking authorization is expected to significantly bolster efforts to combat housing discrimination in Arizona, ensuring that those affected have the necessary support and representation to navigate legal processes and achieve justice.

For more information, please contact:

Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC)
Phone: (520) 798-1568
Email: info@swfhc.com
Website: www.swfhc.com

About SWFHC
The Southwest Fair Housing Council promotes fair housing and equal opportunity through education, advocacy, and enforcement. We strive to eliminate discrimination in housing and provide resources to ensure all individuals have access to safe and affordable housing.