West Virginia Housing Development Fund

Training offers guidance and chance to exchange ideas 

For More Information, Contact Joe Hatifield at (304) 391-8639

The West Virginia Housing Development Fund recently hosted a training session for non-profit community-based housing development organizations. The purpose behind the session was to make certain that these organizations are in compliance with The Fair Housing Act.

The fundamental idea behind the act is to prohibit discrimination and the intimidation of people in their homes and apartment buildings and to ensure fairness in housing transactions.

 “Our non-profit partners in the housing community help us fulfill an essential aspect of our mission,” said Fund Executive Director Joe Hatfield. “By helping them understand federal regulations concerning fair housing and what their obligations are, they can better serve their communities.”

Mary Mason, the Fund’s Managing Director of Compliance and Client Affairs, conducted the day-long training. Topics centered on how local housing agencies that receive federal money can achieve regulatory compliance with governmental regulators, particularly The Fair Housing Act.

Among the issues covered at the training session was the history of the Fair Housing Act, changes made to the law, specific issues relating to protected classes of people under the regulations, penalties for non-compliance and why it’s important to follow the letter of the law

“Making certain that our partner agencies are in compliance is incredibly important. These are complex and complicated regulations,” Mason said. “If we can help them navigate federal policy as it relates to housing, they can do more to help their clients find a home.” 

Mason spent the afternoon detailing the nuances of the laws and answering questions from those in attendance.

“We really are in this together. This is complicated and complex, so if we’re going to do all we can for the people of this state, we have to make sure we’re on the same page. This type of training gives the kind guidance these agencies need,” Mason said.

Representatives from approximately 20 agencies, including the Fund, attended the function, which was held at the Fund’s new office in Kanawha City. 

(Mary Mason, the  Fund’s Managing Director of Compliance and Client Affairs, speaks to
representatives from the state's non-profit housing community during a recent training session)