Gretchen Flint, Jim Hyer and Dennis Parker will be honored as part of WRO's "Advancement of Human Rights" celebration on June 20 at the Vintage Restaurant in White Plains. "Our attorneys have been our biggest advocates and have given us advice on how we should handle certain cases in housing discrimination," said Geoffery Anderson, executive director of Westchester Residential Opportunites. "The mission of the organization means everyone has the opportunity to gain or retain safe or affordable housing."
WRO advocates the expansion of non-discriminatory housing opportunities in Westchester for low and moderate-income households, minorities, senior citizens and people with disabilities. The organization also fights to enforce fair housing and lending laws. "We want to educate landlords about their obligations to their tenants to make sure everyone is being treated fairly," said Anderson. "We want to meet the needs of every person that comes to our door. So fundraising events help us raise enough money to continue our work."
The Advancement of Human Rights event, which will recognize three attorneys who have dedicated themselves to fighting housing discrimination, will feature food, refreshments, and an award ceremony. "Housing discrimination is something that's very special to me and something that I believe in," said Jim Hyer, the board of directors member for WRO. "It's nice that after 15 years to receive recognition for something I care about. The board of directors is almost like a family, so this is very special."
With the addition of an office in White Plains and Mount Vernon, WRO is able to help people live exactly where they want. "We wouldn't be as successful or be around for almost 50 years had it not been for the work of the dedicated staff and the board," said Anderson.
For more information about WRO or to find out more about the Advancement of Human Rights event, click here.