PADUCAH — As April is National Fair Housing Month, at noon on Thursday, April 17, the Paducah Human Rights Commission will be holding a free Fair Housing Luncheon.

"Fair Housing Month is a time to recognize the importance of equal access to housing that is free from discrimination," Paducah Mayor George Bray says.

"Even though it has been more than 50 years since the passage of the Fair Housing Act, there is an ongoing fight against housing discrimination," Paducah Human Rights Commission Chairman Robert Hernandez said. "Our goal is to shed light on these disparities and work together as a community to enhance awareness of fair housing rights."

The city recommends this event for:

  • Real estate professionals
  • Government officials and policymakers
  • Housing advocates and activists
  • Landlords
  • Community leaders
  • Housing counselors and social service providers
  • Students and academics

Guest speakers include Paducah Cooperative Ministry Executive Director Lacy Boling and Interim Paducah Housing Authority Executive Director/Section 8 Program Director Lasica Allen McEwen.

According to Bray, Boling will be discussing the impact of available housing on homelessness while McEwen will focus on how the Paducah Housing Authority works to eliminate disparities and how landlords can participate.

“The Fair Housing Luncheon is both an educational and community-building event. Networking and collaboration can lead to more collective efforts toward ending housing discrimination," said Daisha Johnson, City of Paducah Diversity Specialist.

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., with the event kicking off at noon with a recorded message from Governor Andy Beshear. This event is free, however registration is required prior to April 11 — to register, click here.

The Fair Housing Luncheon will be held at the Robert Cherry Civic Center, 2701 Park Ave Paducah, KY 42001.