Human Relations

 

Fair Housing / Landlord Tenant

The City of High Point supports and promotes fair, safe, and affordable housing. In November of 2007, City Council enacted a local fair housing ordinance. Since the enactment of the ordinance, the Human Relations Commission & Department have provided an avenue for landlords & tenants to interface effectively while engaged in real estate related transactions. We give free information and conduct educational sessions about the rights & responsibilities of landlords & tenants, fair housing, and offer mediation service to settle disputes.

 

Fair Housing Month

April is National Fair Housing Month. Each year, High Point Human Relations celebrates this month with a proclamation from the mayor and a series of educational events. We partner with organizations locally, statewide, & nationally to bring you quality & informative programming. Hear guest speakers, participate in panel discussions, and learn about your right to have fair, safe, and affordable housing.

 

Front Porch Conversations

The High Point Human Relations Department partners with the High Point YWCA to bring you Front Porch Conversations. Launched September 2007, this program is a series of panel discussions on various topics held on 3rd Thursdays at 12:00 noon at our local YWCA.  The purpose of the program is to help keep the public informed about social justice issues and to build multicultural & diversity literacy.

 

High Point Festival of Cultures

Held during National Fair Housing Month in April, the High Point Festival of Cultures is the annual celebration of the diverse cultures throughout Greater High Point and the Piedmont Triad. Hailing from all walks of life, people come together to share ethnically specific traditions through art, dance, food, song, drama and instrumental music.  Integral aspects of the festival are short speaking pieces to educate the public about fair, safe, and affordable housing, as well as, educational pieces about diversity and diversity issues. The diversity pieces are designed to build awareness, empathy, and respect for differences. The inaugural High Point Festival of Cultures was held April of 2005

 

High Point Student Human Relations Commission

The nationally acclaimed High Point Student Human Relations Commission was launched in the fall of 2004. The purpose of this program is to teach students about human/civil rights. The student commission is comprised of a diverse array of public & private high school students from across greater High Point. These dynamic students start the year in October with their annual retreat, meet every six weeks, convene High Point Student Human Relations Day every March, and conduct human relations activities at their respective schools via the school-based human relations clubs they lead.

 

MLK Celebration

In 1977, the City of High Point held its first celebration in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This celebration is held annually in January. Come join us as we continue to celebrate the life and legacy of MLK. During the event, we reveal the High Point Humanitarian(s) of the year and the students who best exemplify positive human relations. You will leave inspired to carry on the work of Dr. King!

 

Multicultural & Diversity Dolls

Do you have burning questions about multiculturalism & diversity that you have been afraid to ask? Well fear no more! Book our Multicultural & Diversity Dolls program. Established in 2006, this program creates a safe environment children and adults can feel comfortable in to discuss race, ethnicity, multicultural differences, and diversity. As you discover the names, origins, and stories of each doll you’ll be able to establish the nexus to your immediate & global community.

 

Public Forums & Conferences

Since the fall of 2004, the Human Relations Department & Commission have worked diligently to convene public forums and conferences around topics important to our community. We continue to provide programming models that support civic engagement and deliberative discourse. Feel free to call our department to explore how we may bring your important issue to the community.

 

Summer Swim Pass

During the spring of 1990, the Human Relations Commission started the free swim pass program. Human Relations continues to partner with Parks & Recreation to provide free swim passes for children ages 6 – 17. This program allows children to swim for free every Friday during the second week of June thru the second week in August.  Simply call our office to find out how to qualify for this program.