Promotes equal access to housing by providing education and outreach services explaining fair housing law. Investigates and provides enforcement assistance following fair housing complaints involving discrimination when acquiring or retaining housing. Depending on the results, can make a referral to an attorney, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or a state agency. Does not field complaints directly, but can provide assistance with illegal discrimination in any housing setting, including shelters.

Fair housing laws are federal, state, and local laws that prohibit housing discrimination based on "protected classes." Protected classes include race, color, national origin, religion, gender, families with children, and disability at the federal level, as well as additional protections at state and local levels. The laws cover rental, sales, lending, and insurance transactions. Illegal actions include discrimination through denial of housing, refusal to negotiate, providing false information, eviction, selectively applying rules or standards, advertisements or statements, harassment, intimidation, provision of services, or steering.