The 1988-'89 Iowa Fair Housing Awareness Project

A unique project, the first and only one of its kind in the nation, toured the State of Iowa during 1988 and 1989. The Iowa Fair Housing Awareness Project manager visited each of Iowa's 99 county seat communities, major population centers, and areas where people of color were concentrated. The objective of the project was to increase awareness and understanding of fair housing laws and housing discrimination by presenting educational programs throughout the state.

The supervisory agency, The Iowa Civil Rights Commission, and the human rights agencies of Des Moines, Dubuque and Iowa City, received a Fair Housing Assistance Program Grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $145,065. The grant included provisions to lease a colorful, specially painted, custom designed, 28-foot-long Winnebago motor home for the duration of the project tour. On April 1, 1988, the project was introduced at a fair housing conference. A second fair housing conference, August 4, 1989, culminated the project.

The project tour began July 6, 1988. The vehicle was returned to the leasing agent September 28, 1989. During these fifteen months the vehicle covered 38, 500 miles on Iowa highways in all kinds of weather. The Iowa Fair Housing Awareness project hosted an estimated 3,500 people for one-on-one fair housing discussions in the vehicle. 'Me vehicle interior was a combination rolling library, office and meeting room equipped with special audio- visual equipment.

The project manager gave 171 formal group presentations, "Fair Housing Is the Law In Iowa," to an estimated 3,000 people in community meeting rooms. These presentations were fair housing education with an emphasis on fair renting and included discussions about the fair housing concept and laws; expanding court interpretations of these laws; increasing consequences of not following the laws; simple protections for housing professionals; discrimination complaint procedures and remedies; why compliance with fair housing is good for everyone; and an overview of the September 1988 amendment to Federal Fair Housing Law Title VIII adding handicapped and familial status to the Federally protected housing characteristics. The passage of this amendment occurred one month after the Iowa Fair Housing Awareness Project went 'on the road' and increased concern about fair housing which resulted in increased interest in the project.


Many fair housing handouts were given to every visitor to the vehicle and/or presentation. These handouts evolved into the Fair Housing/Fair Renting Awareness packets available from the Iowa Civil Rights Commission which include:

· current Commission newsletter, "The Communicator".

The information, "Especially for Landlords", is appreciated by people involved in rentals and explains the importance of record keeping for rental professionals. Included also are general fair renting guides, recommended rental procedures, and sample rental forms.

Project activities began by contacting city offices in each host community. The Commission sent mailings and placed newspaper ads announcing the project's visit to each county. The project had a 'snowball' effect. Media interviews and word of mouth conversations spread the fair housing message beyond actual contact with the fair housing project. A video documentary highlighting the travels of the fair housing project and fair housing message is available.

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission continues to see an increase in housing discrimination inquiries from all areas of the housing industry. An unexpected result of the project is the increasing interest in establishing rental property owners associations which culminated in a first-ever statewide rental owners convention held in Waterloo during 1989.

The 1988-1989 Iowa Fair Housing Awareness Project accomplished the original goals of the grant to increase awareness and understanding of the fair housing laws and housing discrimination. The project continues to have an impact on fair housing in Iowa.

Notes from the Iowa Fair Housing Awareness Project Manager

The Iowa Fair Housing Awareness project is over. I say again, "Yes, we are making progress but we still have a long way to go before fair housing for all citizens is a reality in Iowa."

Even with the media attention and our educational efforts, too many Iowans still harbor racist and sexist attitudes. The growing class of housing discrimination victims is the young, single, female head of household. Every Iowa community has families like these. Every Iowa community has people unfairly denied the opportunity to be considered for housing. We can all help by sharing information, such as how to be responsible renters, and by making an effort to get acquainted with people of differences.

This project was certainly 'different' employment. My job managing the project and driving the vehicle was fun, fascinating and frustrating, exciting and discouraging, and necessary. Iowa is my home. I love Iowa and most Iowans. I met many Iowans I want to see again.

The Iowa Fair Housing Awareness Project made a difference for me. I hope I made a difference for fair housing. We all need fair living. Thank you for the opportunity to "see" Iowa from an unusual vantage point. - Jan Alderton, Storm Lake, Iowa

1989 Annual Report Main Page