EPHRC offers services to support Community Relations, Fair Housing,
and Equal Employment Opportunities.
Community Relations
Whether it’s speaking to a small group of stakeholders about inclusion in the workplace, co-sponsoring fair/affordable housing initiatives, or helping to organize a multicultural event, the EPHRC’s main goal is to foster an environment that advocates for equal and fair treatment of Escambia County residents, embraces visible and invisible individual qualities, and promotes a harmonious relationship between citizens, government, businesses, and organizations.
In addition, through its Dispute Resolution Program, the EPHRC works to resolve intergroup conflict and neighborhood disputes in Escambia County through mediation, conciliation, conflict coaching, and referrals to other agencies and organizations that can help resolve community issues. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you to resolve disputes that have not escalated to violence and are not currently being litigated in court.
Housing Complaints & Concerns
Federal, State, and Local laws protect an individual’s basic right to fair and equal treatment by landlords and other providers of housing and property. It also prohibits discrimination by providers of housing and property-related services, such as banks, insurance agents, and real estate brokers. Our experienced fair housing staff will listen, advise, and assist you with your housing concerns.
Housing Counseling
EPHRC’s Housing Counseling Program provides consultation and feasible options to tenants, prospective homebuyers, and current homeowners. We perform focused counseling services to improve residents’ housing knowledge and financial literacy to elevate tenancy conditions and home-ownership stability. In addition to these services, we offer primary assistance with First-Time Homebuyer Classes, Financial Fitness Workshops, and Rental Counseling. We also act as a resource in the prevention of housing scams and fair housing discrimination under the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
Employment, Complaints & Concerns
Federal, State, and Local laws protect an individual’s basic right to fair and equal treatment in employment. The law protects against discrimination by former, current, and potential employers, labor unions, and employment agencies. Our experienced EEOC staff will listen, advise, and assist you with your employment concerns.
Fair Housing Testing Program
Housing discrimination can be very subtle and difficult for ordinary home seekers to detect. And when it is not detected, it is not reported. Therefore, the EPHRC’s fair housing testing investigations help to identify, document, and eliminate systemic housing discrimination by using trained testers to uncover housing irregularities in both rentals and home sales. If you are interested in becoming an EPHRC fair housing tester, complete this form.
Education, Outreach, & Training
The EPHRC staff conducts community education, training, and other outreach programs for schools, community groups, businesses, professional organizations, and City/County departments to promote fairness, equity, and equal rights and opportunities for all who work in, live in, or visit Escambia County. EPHRC’s efforts is centered around providing transparent information to the public that helps citizens be responsive to community needs rather than reactive to problematic incidents.
Referrals to Enforcement Agencies
EPHRC staff works closely with enforcement agencies to help resolve problematic issues that have arisen above mediation and intervention. The goal is to resolve issues as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Our Mission Statement
The Escambia Human Relations Commission’s mission is to foster an environment that advocates for equal and fair treatment of Escambia County residents by collaborating with community stakeholders to create solutions that better community relations and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.