SPOKANE, Wash. – An investigation by Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson revealed extensive housing discrimination against veterans by several rental groups across the state, including three Spokane-based companies, according to the office of the Attorney General.
The investigation, which began in 2016, found that several housing companies were rejecting vouchers given to veterans by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, to assist in paying for housing. The three Spokane-based companies that Ferguson says were found to have discriminated against veterans were KPS Realty LLC, Domus Urbis LLC, and Country Homes Realty LLC. As part of the conclusion of the investigation, the eight companies agreed to stop discriminating against veterans.
Steve Jolley, an attorney representing KPS Realty called the findings of the investigation misleading, including that the agreement made between the companies and the AG did not involve any admission of liability. Jolley went on to say, "Our government has thrown legitimate businesses, who routinely rent apartments to veterans and thank them for their service, under the bus to further a political agenda which will ultimately result in less affordable housing."
A representative with Country Homes Realty echoed those thoughts, telling KREM 2 that the company "put together over thirty plus examples of current leases and applications of tenants who are on some kind of assistance or voucher program, including VASH voucher and veteran disability programs." The company also added that "it is clear Country Homes Reality does not discriminate."
In a statement released Tuesday, Ferguson said, “Veterans are protected from discrimination by Washington law. No veteran should be denied a roof over their head based on how they plan to pay their rent.”
In 2008, Congress budgeted $75 million on VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) to assist veterans in paying for housing. The program combined assistance from HUD and the Department of Veteran Affairs to target chronically homeless veterans and help to “afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing,” according to the HUD website.
Two companies exposed in the investigation refused to enter into the non-discrimination action. Ferguson said he will bring an enforcement action against them for discriminating against veterans and refusing to accept VASH vouchers in payment for housing.
Shannon Dunkin, a Program Manager with the Department of Veterans Affairs, said they were disappointed to hear the findings of the investigation.
“This is something that these veterans have more than earned,” Dunkin said.
The investigation was conducted by The Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit, named after Washington Assistant Attorney General Wing Luke. The unit works to enforce state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and uncover findings of discrimination.
