On June 27, 2011 the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a charge of discrimination against Teresa Mercker of Owensboro, KY for discriminating against a family with children searching for housing after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The complaint was filed and investigated by the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (GCFHC). GCFHC works to eliminate housing discrimination across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Federal laws make it illegal to treat someone differently because of his/her race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or because he/she has children when insuring, renting, selling or buying a home.

The Jones family was illegally evicted in 2006 from a three-bedroom home with over 1200 square feet of living space. HUD determined that this illegal eviction occurred because the Jones had five young children. The Jones family stated they loved the house. It was affordable, close to their jobs and the children’s school. As they explained in the complaint, “It was perfect for them.”

Charmel Gaulden, Executive Director of the GCFHC states, “Housing was especially scarce after Hurricane Katrina. Families with children often struggle to find housing. This investigation highlights the difficulties families with children face when searching for housing. We hope other families with children after hearing the Jones’ story will file a complaint. The only way we can stop this illegal discrimination from happening is by taking a stand against it.”

Families with children being denied housing should contact GCFHC at 228-396-4008. If you have been told “you have too many kids”, “our house is too small” or “you can’t live here”, contact GCFHC.

To read the full press release click here

To read the charge click here