Fair Housing Resources

Links to Other Resources

The Department of Civil Rights works to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws and investigates and resolves discrimination complaints.
The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) is the voice of fair housing. NFHA works to eliminate housing discrimination and to ensure equal housing opportunity for all people through leadership, education and outreach, membership services, public policy initiatives, advocacy and enforcement.
HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity administers federal laws and establishes national policies that ensure all Americans have equal access to the housing of their choice.
Knowing you need help is one thing. Finding someone who can help is another. That's why in times of need the best number to call is 2-1-1, a new service from Heart of West Michigan United Way.
The Grand Rapids Housing Commission has Section 8 vouchers that provide monthly rental subsidies for people who cannot afford market rate rents. Under this program, people with Section 8 vouchers select their own apartment or house and sign an approved 1-year lease with the landlord. The full rent is paid to the landlord in two parts - one part from the tenant and the other from the Housing Commission. The waiting list is often closed to new applications, so call first - 235-2600.

You can call this program at 245-2207. They provide counseling on a number of housing problems, incuding most tenant/landlord issues. In some cases, they may have funds to assist you in staying in your unit or moving to another apartment. Call for an appointment or stop by the Urban League at 745 Eastern Ave. SE.

Free legal advice for renters. The 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at Steepletown Neighborhood Services (671 Davis NW) in Grand Rapids. On the 7, 9, & 18 Bus Routes. Receive answers to questions, learn about options, and understand possible outcomes for your situation. Bring all of your paperwork with you. No appointment needed - just walk-in.
Disability Advocates use an array of procedures to advocate for the removal of architectural, societal, and attitudinal barriers to independent living and assists individuals in getting the services and supports they need to maintain independence Staff, board members and volunteers work to affect changes in the community.
Serving Allegan and Ottawa counties, Disability Network concentrates its efforts on building communities that work. Disability Network assists over 2,500 individuals with disabilities and their families on an annual basis, connecting them with supports and services as well as providing training and mentoring. Staff members are specialists in the areas of housing, employment, transportation, accessibility, education, transition, and long-term supports. We also provide general information and referral services.
Established in April 1974, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) exists to help older adults and persons with disabilities live in their community with independence and dignity.
MichiganLegalAid.org provides help with legal problems to low income residents of Michigan. On this site you will find information about the law and about places to go for help with legal and related problems.
For more than 40 years, Legal Services Corporation funded agencies in Western Michigan have provided free legal assistance to low income persons and Seniors in non-criminal, non-fee generating matters. Legal Aid of Western Michigan currently serves people in 17 counties in the lower Western part of Michigan with offices in Big Rapids, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Niles and St. Joseph.
The Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan is a not-for-profit agency that offers mediation, conciliation, facilitation, and arbitration services as an alternative to court.
The National Fair Housing Advocate Online is a resource designed to serve both the fair housing advocacy community and the general public with timely news and information regarding the issues of housing discrimination.

Find out about our
Annual Fair Housing Luncheon & Workshop Series

20 Hall Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Tel: (616) 451-2980, Toll Free: 1-866-389-FAIR
Fax: (616) 451-2657 email:
contact-us@fhcwm.org