The Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center is a 30-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to combating housing discrimination and segregation in Louisiana, with a focus on the New Orleans area. The organization works to address systemic housing issues stemming from historical practices like redlining and exclusionary policies that continue to affect protected classes and vulnerable communities. Their mission explicitly centers on ensuring fair housing access and preventing discrimination in rental, purchase, and lending decisions.
The organization offers multiple free services to the public, including filing discrimination complaints, eviction defense attorney consultations, housing counselor services, and fair housing testing programs. They provide direct legal assistance through eviction defense, community education on fair housing rights, and advocacy work to influence local and state policy. Additionally, they engage in public education campaigns around elections and affordable housing bond measures, positioning fair housing as a civic priority.
The Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center distinguishes itself through its deep community roots and policy advocacy work. Unlike basic housing counseling services, they combine individual complaint resolution with systemic advocacy, including direct outreach to political candidates about fair housing platforms. Their 30-year track record in the state and focus on housing segregation as a structural issue—not just individual discrimination—sets them apart. They also operate a fair housing tester program, which involves trained individuals who test for discriminatory practices.
However, the website provides limited detail about specific counseling methodologies, success rates, or geographic service areas beyond general Louisiana/New Orleans references. The organization appears primarily focused on advocacy and complaint-filing rather than comprehensive housing counseling or credit-related financial assistance. Potential clients should contact directly to confirm availability and specific service details.