On December 13th the Lawrence City Commission voted in favor of an ordinance which will improve equal access to housing. The ordinance will add protections from housing discrimination based on a person’s source of income and status as a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking.

These specific recommendations provide an opportunity to immediately decrease barriers to housing. These protections will improve outcomes for individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness or housing stress.

This vote comes after two years of research and advocacy by the LiveWell Douglas County Sexual Violence Prevention Work Group and its partners.

Before the review by the City Commission, the Sexual Violence Prevention Work Group presented their housing policy research to stakeholders including the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and the Human Relations Commission.

The commission also considered other changes to housing policy informed by the Sexual Violence Prevention Work Group’s advocacy. These policy changes are set for review later in the year.