Advocate groups say housing discrimination is alive and well on the North Shore, not only in regard to race, but in a slew of other areas, too. Age, disability, family status—take a number.

In 2010, the Interfaith Housing Center of the North Suburbs concluded a two-year study to find out just how much discrimination is taking place. In the 150 cases tested, the organization found that 55 percent of the time, African Americans are being turned away from rentals because of their race. They're missing out on home sales 50 percent of the time for the same reason. For Latinos, it's a little lower—25 to 30 percent—but discrimination is still present, the study says, subtle though it might be.

"The security deposit might be different; returned calls might be different," said Gail Schechter, the executive director of the Interfaith Housing Center. "It was shocking to me how cavalier some of these management companies can be."

And it's not just about race.

"A lot of our complaints are about disability: people who already live in their condos or apartments, and they're tying to get the landlord to agree to more accessible parking or a grab bar," Schechter said. "Fair housing means you have a right to rent or purchase housing without regard to race, color, disability, presence of children, national origin — there are about seven protected classes."

Schechter and other North Shore organizations are taking advantage of April, which is National Fair Housing Month, to educate the community on existing laws, how to tell the signs of discrimination and what to do if they arise.

For the Interfaith Housing Center, the key is awareness.

"What would put us out of business gladly is if these communities affirmatively promoted themselves and did something to promote people of diverse backgrounds to move [there]," Schechter said. "It's not social engineering, it's a matter of being open and not a gated community."

Many others have taken advantage of Fair Housing Month to spread the word about discrimination, too. Tripp Hudgins, pastor of the Community Church of Wilmette called fair housing an important "part of the conversation between the clergy and local non-profits." (Disclosure: Hudgins is an unpaid, occassional columnist for Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch.)

"It's the spiritual and religious imperative," said Hudgins, who feels a special imperative to care for those who are economically disadvantaged. "We have to protect the weak among us. But it's also about the common good. ... There's something good for everybody if we can maintain diversity in the economic conditions of the community. It doesn't require that people stay on the lower end, it just recognizes that that situation exists."

The Village of Wilmette, too, has espoused the importance of fair housing practices.

"Housing discrimination is prohibited by state and federal law, and the Village has also adopted ordinances prohibiting discrimination," said Village Manager Tim Frenzer. "That would be one of the ways Wilmette supports Fair Housing Month and calls on people in real estate to follow fair housing practices."

At last month's trustees' meeting, the board showed its support for the month by announcing a fair housing proclamation.

"In it, the Village reaffirms its commitment to not permit discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, familial status, marital status, national origin or disability," said Village President Chris Canning via email. Canning emphasized that fair housing is different than affordable housing, which the village also supports. Affordable housing encourages communities to invest in developments that are reasonably priced for lower- and middle-income buyers.

Several events are taking place this month to promote fair housing:

• Wednesday, April 13: There will be a panel discussion about innovative housing options for people with disabilities. The meeting will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 1024 Lake Ave. in Wilmette.
• Monday, April 18: Attorney General Lisa Madigan will present "American Casino," a documentary that takes a look at how predatory subprime mortgages lead to the recent housing bubble and subsequent recession. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the fifth floor of 160 N. LaSalle in Chicago. Click for more information on additional times and how to RSVP.
• Tuesday, April 19: Interfaith will be making a presentation to members of the North Shore Barrington Association of Realtors about how to advocate for buyers with disabilities.
• Wednesday, May 4: The Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance will host "Responses to Changing Demographics and Persistent Segregation," which will examine recent census data and the way local elected officials have been overcoming segregation in their municipalities. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in room 503 at John Marshall Law School at 314 S. Plymouth Court in Chicago. 

For more information on fair housing requirements and practices, visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.