Fair Housing Month 2026

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

" The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability. Cambridge also prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of age, sexual orientation, relationship status, family structure, gender identity, marital status, military status, and source of income. "

Bicyclist drives by a row of apartments.

Happy National Fair Housing Month!

Where we live shapes our opportunities, safety, and future. Fair housing ensures that everyone has equal access to housing without discrimination.

Every year in April, we take time to celebrate the landmark passage of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, prohibiting discrimination in the renting, selling and financing of housing. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability.

The Cambridge Human Rights Commission (CHRC) is a City department charged with investigating complaints of discrimination that occur in Cambridge -- in housing, employment, education, and public accommodations. CHRC receives funds from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development for its enforcement efforts. In addition to the seven federal protections, Cambridge also prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of age, sexual orientation, relationship status, family structure, gender identity, marital status, military status, and source of income.

Fair housing protections exist because of the tireless work of advocates who challenged discriminatory practices and fought for equal access to housing. Lee Porter, also known as the “Mother of Fair Housing,” became a national leader for fair housing after she and her husband were denied housing because of their race in 1965.

Historically, housing policies were designed to keep certain communities, especially Black communities and communities of color, out of safe, affordable neighborhoods. We know that access to stable housing is critical to building credit, growing wealth, and creating long-term opportunity. Although we’ve come a long way, we must continue to fight for the elimination of discriminatory housing practices, especially in the face of recent attacks on fair housing.

CHRC works to build on the great legacy of Lee Porter and other fair housing advocates by investigating discrimination complaints, mediating disputes, and engaging directly with our local community to discuss their fair housing rights. If you would like to learn more about our work or file a discrimination complaint with CHRC, you may visit our office at 689 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, call us at 617-349-4396, or fill out an online intake form at https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/humanrightscommission/discriminationintakeform.

JOIN US: Community Celebration and Resource Fair

If you’d like to learn more about your housing rights and connect with local resources, please join us on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M at the King Open School in Cambridge for a community event featuring City departments and local organizations offering information on housing, tenant protections, and available services. This event is free and open to all, with food, family-friendly activities, and entertainment provided.

Fair Housing Month 2026

JOIN US: Community Celebration and Resource Fair

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