The Pima County Housing Center, along with other community partners, recently held a forum for property owners, managers and nonprofit housing agency owners who are interested in leasing their properties to former inmates and homeless people.

The forum included a panel discussion on management strategies and community resources that can ensure these landlord-tenant relationships are mutually beneficial and exceed the requirements of the Fair Housing Act and other federal, state and local regulations.

The event was led by District 5 Supervisor Richard Elías, and helped mark the 50-year anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson signing the Fair Housing Act into law.

“It provides a foundation to people on the margins and allows them to put down roots, find work and services and maintain good mental and physical health," Housing Center Manager Marcos Ysmael said. "For property owners, it fills vacancies and provides income.”