ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The city of Orlando human relations’ office hosted a housing fair Saturday for the community to learn more about fair housing protection.

The event was held at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center.

Elisa Lopez moved to the city of Orlando three years ago from New York. she says she knew right away she wanted to get plugged in with the community and give back.

“I think it’s important that a lot of folks don’t know what their rights are when it comes to housing,” said Lopez.

This is her first-time volunteering with the city’s human relations office but says it won’t be her last.

“The city of Orlando is going through a lot of changes and housing is not affordable here or a lot of other places,” she said. “So, knowing when you’re being turned away because of your age, race or anything else about your identity is key.”

The event was partially funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

City staff say the event advances equity in housing, as well as educating individuals on their rights of fair housing.

District 6 City Commissioner Bakari Burns also showed up for the event and with two housing developments planned for the district commissioner burns says providing educational resources is needed.

“It’s all about getting the information out,” said Burns. “We have to get this information out about this critical topic because if you don’t know, you don’t know where to go. Events like this just raises the awareness, provides information but hopefully it gets the community engaged.”

The event featured over 20 vendor tables as well as mortgage counseling and fair housing training sessions, Lopez hopes that those who attended the event walk away with two things in mind.

“More knowledge on their rights and also with the feeling that the city has there back, they don’t have to go though this alone, there is a lot of support at the city level to make sure that it doesn’t happen,” said Burns.