Tennessee Fair Housing Council

09/30/2026

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize and celebrate the vibrant cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. TFHC remains dedicated to helping ensure that EVERYONE is treated fairly in housing.

09/10/2026

The Tennessee Fair Housing Council (TFHC) extends a heartfelt thank you to the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Southeastern Synod ELCA) for their recent donation in memory of our late Board Member the Rev. Dr. Joel Emerson. Joel and his wife the Rev. Dr. Ann Bassett received the Southeastern Synod’s Robert S. and Jean E. Graetz Advocacy award in honor of their work for justice and peace. That work includes their commitment to fair housing.

Ann and Joel were crucial to the establishment of TFHC in 1995. From that point until his untimely passing in 2024, Joel steadfastly served TFHC in multiple roles including as TFHC’s first Executive Director. He also created the long running National Fair Housing Advocate Online which was the nation’s leading website for fair housing news for more than 20 years. In addition, Joel was an active and faithful Board member. Joel’s mark on TFHC remains vivid. It is not surprising that he continues to find ways to support our work.

The accompanying photo from the award ceremony shows from right to left Joel's siblings Jason and Jenny, Ann Bassett, and Jason's wife holding a photo of Joel. Photo description in alt text.

08/19/2026

Thanks CHATT Foundation for focusing on rental discrimination in this episode of the Give Me Shelter podcast. In this conversation with Baron King, our Executive Director Martie Lafferty talks about the Fair Housing Act's protections for people seeking or living in rental housing. (Image description of video preview in first comment)

In this episode I interview Martie Lafferty from the Tennessee Fair...

07/27/2026

Thank you so much to Empower Tennessee for awarding our Executive Director Martie Lafferty with the Beacon of Leadership Award at the 36 Years of ADA Celebration! Martie is so hardworking and such a wonderful leader, and we appreciate you all for also recognizing that. ❤❤

07/23/2026

Thanks National Fair Housing Alliance and Massachusetts Fair Housing Center for filing a lawsuit today to challenge HUD's latest attempt to dismantle the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). FHIP is the primary program that supports local fair housing organizations across the United States including TFHC. Here's a link to an NYT article regarding the lawsuit: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/23/realestate/fair-housing-lawsuit-funding-hud.html

07/04/2026

06/19/2026

“Once we realize we are all members of humanity, we will want to compete in the spirit of love.” — Muhammad Ali

06/03/2026

🏳️‍🌈 This Pride Month and every day, know that you have rights under the Fair Housing Act. ⚖
If you live in TN and have experienced housing discrimination, call us at 615-874-2344 or email us at [email protected].

05/28/2026

HUD recently issued guidance saying it will no longer accept complaints about emotional support animal (ESA) issues. This does NOT change the Fair Housing Act. People with disabilities who need to live with an ESA due to their disability still have the right to request that their housing provider allow their ESA as a reasonable accommodation. 🐶🐱❤