Fair Housing Council of Oregon

09/09/2026

Fair housing law protects people from being treated differently because of who they are, and the list of protected characteristics is longer than many Oregonians expect.

Under federal, state, and local law, protections apply to to:
◾Race
◾Color
◾National origin
◾Religion
◾Sex
◾Disability
◾Familial status
◾Marital status
◾Sexual orientation
◾Gender identity
◾Source of income
◾Domestic violence survivorship

That means a housing provider can't impose different terms because an applicant has children, uses a wheelchair, or pays part of the rent with a rental assistance like a Housing Choice voucher (also known as a Section 8 voucher).

See how each protected class is defined at fhco.org/renters and reach out to us with questions.

09/02/2026

Housing discrimination doesn't always look obvious, and that's part of what makes it difficult to recognize. It can look like someone being told a rental is unavailable when the unit is still being advertised, as receiving different application terms than another applicant, or as a request for a reasonable accommodation that never receives a response.

Fair housing protections also reach well past the rental application. Discrimination can occur in rentals, sales, mortgage lending, appraisals, insurance, and zoning decisions. Our team at Fair Housing Council of Oregon works statewide to end illegal housing discrimination through education, outreach, technical assistance, and enforcement.

Learn more about the housing transactions covered by fair housing law at fhco.org/what-we-do.

08/31/2026

Wondering what resources exist in Ashland?

The City of Ashland Housing and Human Services Advisory Committee invites you to a free Community Resource Fair on Wednesday, September 9, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Bellview Grange in Ashland.

Sponsored by Jackson County Care Connect, the fair will have refreshments, kids' crafts, and informational booths from over 25 groups. Come find FHCO and say hi!

08/29/2026

True housing justice begins with a conversation. When people understand their rights, they are no longer at the mercy of unfair treatment. They are empowered to stand their ground.

All too often, people endure housing discrimination in silence because they feel entirely alone. But a single conversation or a well-timed resource can change everything, giving someone the confidence to ask the right questions and advocate for themselves.

We want every Oregonian to know that their voice matters, their experiences are valid, and our team is ready to listen and help. Your donation ensures that no one has to face housing discrimination without a partner in their corner.

Help us empower our neighbors: http://fhco.org/donate/

08/27/2026

08/26/2026

Calling all Portland cyclists! 🚲

This ride is for casual riders to learn about Portland's shameful history of racially based housing discrimination, hosted by the Fair Housing Council of Oregon's Marlee Baker.

This is a guided bike tour, relaxed pace, 4-5 miles, low stress. Please come prepared with water & snacks, as needed. This ride can accommodate cars if needed for accessibility, though the stops will require parking and walking to view sites on the tour. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

NORTH PORTLAND:
Sun, Aug 30th, 10 am - 1 pm
Meet at the Portland Expo Center (2025 N Marine Dr)
~4.5 miles

08/17/2026

National Nonprofit Day is a reminder that this work has always been powered by people. People willing to listen, willing to speak up, and willing to help their communities feel more informed, empowered and connected.

Each tester, donor, partner, and community member helps create stronger and more welcoming communities across Oregon.

To everyone who continues supporting this work in big and small ways, thank you. You help make these conversations, resources, and support systems possible.

08/12/2026

When a group of cyclists and grassroot activists asked if we could adapt our historical bus tour for a bike ride, how could we say no? 🚲

On August 19th, we biked all throughout the Westside, stopping at key locations to discuss the history of housing segregation, displacement, and urban renewal in Portland.

Want to join us on our next free bike tour? Contact Marlee Baker at [email protected] to learn more.

08/11/2026

We often measure advocacy by major policy shifts, but fair housing work actually lives in the small moments of crisis and clarity.

Every day, Oregonians face illegal housing discrimination. In those moments, having access to clear guidance and support changes everything. Whether it is educating a renter on their rights or training housing providers on compliance, this work requires steady, ongoing resources.

We cannot do this without you. Please consider making a donation to help us keep showing up for our community when they need it most.

Stand with your neighbors by donating here: http://fhco.org/donate/

08/02/2026

Housing concerns can feel especially overwhelming during stressful or uncertain times.

Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live and know they have somewhere to turn when something feels unfair treatment based on their identity.

Many groups are protected under fair housing law: race, color, national origin, religion, s*x, familial status, disability, marital status, source of income (including rental subsidies), s*xual orientation, and gender identity.

That’s why fair housing education, outreach, and advocacy matter so much. Community support helps us continue providing guidance, resources, and conversations that remind people they don’t have to navigate these situations alone.

If you’d like to help us continue expanding fair housing education and support across Oregon communities, more information is available at fhco.org/donate/.