Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Freeman reports an index of .45 which means that 45% of African-Americans in the <br />County live in areas of minority concentrations. <br />Segregation indices between 0 and .3 are considered low, those between .3 and .6 <br />moderate, and those above .6 are considered high (Kantrowitz, 1993). Orange <br />County's indices are in .the moderate range at .61 and .45, thus Orange County can be <br />considered moderately segregated. <br />There have been no determinations of unlawful segregation or other housing <br />discrimination by a court or a finding of noncompliance by HUD regarding assisted <br />housing within this jurisdiction. <br />E. Fair Housing Education <br />The number of fair housing complaints processed since the enactment of the Orange <br />County Civil Rights Ordinance has been negligible. This is can be attributed to the <br />lack of awareness by Consumers and housing providers about federal and local fair <br />housing laws. Consumers and industry personnel need continuous education <br />regarding Fair Housing laws to combat housing discrimination. Generally, there is a <br />lack of awareness about the Fair Housing Act and the Department of Human Rights <br />and Relations enforcement of the Act under the Orange County Civil Rights <br />Ordinance. Realtors, attorneys and lenders in Orange County have not .participated in <br />activities or training held by the Department that would provide them with the <br />technical .assistance, guidance and knowledge of their responsibilities under the <br />Ordinance. Likewise, many rental housing providers are unaware of their <br />.responsibilities under both the local and federal fair housing laws. <br />There is also a lack of awareness on the part of consumers and other person who <br />facilitate housing choices for consumers to understand what rights persons have <br />under the federal and local fair housing laws and what action to take if a violation of <br />the law is alleged. If persons are aware of their rights they are often unsure how to <br />.proceed or who to contact.. Because of a fear of being harassed, evicted, or deported <br />some consumers may fear either their housing. provider or governmental agencies. <br />21 <br />