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H.R. No. 874
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, In observance of Fair Housing Month, the Border Fair
Housing and Economic Justice Center (BFHC) in El Paso is holding its
2005 Border Fair Housing and Colonia Summit on April 12-14,
providing an apt opportunity to recognize the important mission of
this organization; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 2004 by community leaders who live and
work in the border region with support from the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development Fair Housing Initiatives Program
(FHIP) and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, the BFHC
is a private, nonprofit civil rights organization dedicated to
advocating for and implementing fair housing practices in the
colonias and border communities; the first FHIP in El Paso, it is
the only such organization along the U.S.-Mexico border serving
both Texas and New Mexico; and
WHEREAS, The center was established in response to evidence
of predatory and discriminatory practices for potential home buyers
in the region; studies showed that women and Hispanics in the
colonias and border areas were particularly vulnerable to lending
companies who take advantage of low-income residents; the BFHC is
committed to the goals of equal access to credit, the development of
decent and affordable housing, community development, the
expansion of small business opportunities, and economic justice;
and
WHEREAS, Thirty-seven years ago, the federal Fair Housing Act
was passed to prohibit discrimination in the sale, rental, and
financing of dwellings on the basis of race, color, national
origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability, and the BFHC
has taken on the challenge of ensuring compliance with federal,
state, and local laws; to that end, the center is educating citizens
about their rights as borrowers through consumer outreach programs,
testing to uncover potential housing discrimination, processing
complaints about unfair practices, and pursuing legal action
against lenders who may be breaking the law; and
WHEREAS, All Americans are entitled to equitable and
affordable housing opportunities, and the Border Fair Housing and
Economic Justice Center in El Paso is making sure that Texans in the
borderlands share in that important right; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the Border Fair Housing and Economic
Justice Center during Fair Housing Month in April and extend to all
those associated with this worthy organization sincere best wishes
for a productive 2005 Border Fair Housing and Colonia Summit and for
continued success with their important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the center as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Chavez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 874 was adopted by the House on April
7, 2005, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House