In this economy, people are having a harder time holding onto their homes. Today (Monday) Eugene officials joined with State Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian to observe Fair Housing Month.

Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian says fair housing is about more than making sure people don’t suffer discrimination.

Brad Avakian: “Especially with the economy the way that it is. Folks that are on the low income scale often times have trouble finding a place for themselves and for their families that they can afford. We have the added problem now that even folks in the middle class range are at risk of losing the housing that has always been secure.”

Avakian says there are programs at the local level that can help people access and keep housing. The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries now investigates cases of fair housing discrimination for the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Governor Kulongoski last year declared April, Fair Housing Month.