The
FHC Needs You! Become a Tester!!
Are
you interested in joining a growing effort to make fair housing a reality
in West Michigan?
The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan furthers equal housing opportunity
through educational and enforcement-oriented programs based upon Title
VIII of the US Civil Rights Act of 1968, commonly referred to as the Fair
Housing Act. You can be an active part of such efforts by becoming a Tester.
In addition to being interesting and rewarding work, testing offers a
practical means of putting open housing beliefs into actions that benefit
our entire community.
What
is a Tester?
As a tester, you play the role of a homeseeker - a person who is looking
for a housing unit in which to live. Testers must be at least 18 years
old, objective, careful observers, accurate reporters, truthful and credible
witnesses. Testers are paid a small stipend.
What
is Testing?
Testing is a term used to describe the process of checking the housing
market to determine the nature and extent of discriminatory treatment
practiced agains various homeseekers. Two or more individuals, similar
in every respect other than the variable being tested, are sent to the
same sales or rental office. Testers keep careful notes as to what transpires,
and then record their experience on a standard report form. Difference
in the treatment of testers often form the bases for successful resolution
of a housing discrimination complaint.
Why
Testing?
The
testing process has been consistently supported by federal courts as a
legitimate and necessary method to identify practices of unlawful housing
discrimination. In West Michigan, successful litigations filed by claimants
have been based upon evidence obtained by Fair Housing Center testers.
How
Do I Become a Tester?
Take on the challenging and rewarding role of a tester by attending the
next scheduled training session at the Fair Housing Center. For
more information, contact Regina M. Davis
at (616) 451-2980 or 1-866-389-FAIR.
You
too can make a difference!
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
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