Metro Fair Housing Services, Inc. Spring 2017 Edition Fannie Mae Sued for Racial Discrimination In December 2016 the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and 20 local fair housing organizations from across the United States filed a housing discrimination lawsuit against Fannie Mae in federal district court in San Francisco, California. The lawsuit alleges that Fannie Mae purposely fails to maintain its foreclosures (also known as real estate owned or REO properties) in middle- and working-class African American and Latino neighborhoods to the same level of quality it does for foreclosures it owns in white middle- and working-class neighborhoods. The data supporting the federal lawsuit, which includes substantial photographic evidence, shows a stark pattern of discriminatory conduct by Fannie Mae in the maintenance of its foreclosures. The lawsuit is the result of a multi-year investigation. During the past several years, NFHA notified Fannie Mae many times of its failure to maintain and market its foreclosed homes in communities of color to the same standard to which it was maintaining and marketing the foreclosed homes it owned in similar, predominantly white neighborhoods. In spite of numerous meetings between NFHA and Fannie Mae to address these disparities in Down Payment Assistance Project Launched with Georgia ACT In January 2017 Metro partnered with Georgia Advancing Communities Together, Inc. (Georgia ACT) to kick off a $250,000 down payment assistance project whose goal is to stimulate reinvestment in specific metropolitan Atlanta neighborhoods of color to counteract the damage resulting from the foreclosure crisis. The program is designed to provide low-to-moderate income individuals with the opportunity to become owneroccupants in southwest Atlanta and south Dekalb County neighborhoods hardest hit by foreclosures. Up to $7,500 (inclusive of a program fee) in a nonrepayable gift can be used towards down payment and/ or closing cost assistance by borrowers who qualify for continued on page 5 WHAT S INSIDE Visit us at www.metrofairhousing.com maintenance and marketing, Fannie Mae persisted in its willful neglect of its properties in African American and Latino neighborhoods. The initial investigation was undertaken by NFHA and two local fair housing organizations in 2009 and involved four metropolitan areas. Much of this evidence was shared with Fannie Mae. However, Fannie Mae failed to make changes to ensure equal treatment in the maintenance and marketing of its foreclosures in neighborhoods of color, and the investigation was expanded to include an additional 18 fair housing organizations, culminating in data from 212 cities in 38 metropolitan areas. Comprised of evidence from 2011 through 2015, the lawsuit contains information from more than 2,300 foreclosures owned and maintained by Fannie Mae. NFHA and its 20 partner fair housing organizations collected evidence at each property on over 35 data points that were identified as important to protecting, securing, and marketing the homes. Investigators also took and reviewed over 49,000 photographs of these foreclosures that document the differences in treatment. continued on page 3 Message from the Executive Director... 2 Enforcement Update... 4 April Fair Housing Month... 6 Lainez Thrives as Bilingual Outreach Specialist... 8 Jacques Mountain... 9 Henry County... 9 Metro Event Calendar...10
Metro Fair Housing Services, Inc. 215 Lakewood Way SW Suite 106 Atlanta, GA 30315 Phone: 404-524-0000 Fax: 404-524-0005 Message from the Executive Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT J. D. Frazier, M.S. The Specialty Nurse Company TREASURER Harold Craig Atlanta Technical Institute SECRETARY Emanuel Balams, Esq. Balams Law Group Jennifer Rives Rhoton Culler, Esq. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Gail L. Williams Metro Freedom Righter is made possible by grants from USHUD, City of Atlanta, Dekalb, Clayton and Fulton Counties. The findings and substance of this publication are dedicated to the public. The authors and publishers are solely responsible for the accuracy of statements, content, and interpretations in this newsletter. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the grantors. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are jointly responsible for enforcing the Federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender), disability, familial status (children under 18 living with a parent or guardian), or national origin. The Act prohibits housing-related policies and practices that exclude or otherwise discriminate against individuals because of these protected characteristics. On November 10, 2016, HUD and DOJ issued a long-awaited and very much needed Joint Statement entitled, State and Local Land Use Laws and Practices and the Application of the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The regulation of land use and zoning is traditionally reserved to state and local governments, except to the extent that it conflicts with requirements imposed by the FHA or other federal laws. The Joint Statement provides an overview of the FHA s requirements relating to state and local land use practices and zoning laws, including conduct related to group homes, an issue that is routinely brought to Metro s attention while conducting jurisdictional staff trainings and, occasionally, as the result of a complaint. The Statement updates and expands upon DOJ s and HUD s Joint Statement on Group Homes, Local Land Use, and the Fair Housing Act, issued on August 18, 1999. Specifically, the Statement describes generally the Act s requirements as they pertain to land use and zoning; discusses how the Act applies to land use and zoning laws affecting housing for people with disabilities, including guidance on regulating group homes and the requirement to provide reasonable accommodations; and, address HUD s and DOJ s enforcement of the Act in the land use and zoning context. The Statement does not focus on other Gail L. Williams 2
Message from the Executive Director (cont.) federal civil rights laws that prohibit state and local governments from adopting land use and zoning practices that discriminate based on a protected characteristic (ADA, Section 504, or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964). Additionally, the Statement does not address a state or local government s duty to affirmatively further fair housing, even though state and local governments that receive HUD assistance are subject to this duty. In 2017 Metro urges the state and all local jurisdictions to review this new guidance in light of their existing or proposed land use and zoning laws/practices to ensure continuing compliance and to avoid liability. Fannie Mae Sued for Racial Discrimination continued from page 1 In metropolitan Atlanta from 2011 to 2015, Metro Fair Housing Services (Metro) investigated 106 REO properties owned by Fannie Mae in the following neighborhoods: 70 African American; 2 Latino; 8 Majority Non-White; and, 26 White. Contrary to the exterior maintenance standards published in Fannie s Field Services Checklist, 41% of the properties in communities of color had holes in the structure of the home; 40% of the properties in communities of color had overgrown or dead shrubbery; and, 21% in communities of color had unsecured, broken, or boarded doors. Over the 4-year period of our investigation, only one (1) property in a white neighborhood had 10 or more maintenance or marketing deficiencies, while 28% of the properties in communities of color had 10 or more such deficiencies, said Gail Williams, Executive Director of Metro. 3
ENFORCEMENT UPDATE During 2016-2017 Metro directed a multi-jurisdictional Conciliations Reached systemic enforcement review of the Fair Housing Act by Metro filed HUD complaints alleging that the policies conducting over 200 compliance audits and complaintbased housing discrimination tests in Cherokee, of several metro area apartments denied a reasonable accommodation request by a prospective tenant, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, identified as blind and requiring the service of a seeingeye dog, by refusal to waive pet deposits and/or fees. Hall and Henry Counties. The Enforcement Division received over 50 housing discrimination complaints With no admissions of liability, two companies, The on the basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sinclair Ridge Apartments/ Norcross-Tucker Road Sex, Familial Status and Disability, and is continuing its Partners, LLP and The Preserve of Tumbling Creek/ investigations into rental housing, real estate sales and Athens Real Estate Group sought conciliation with Metro mortgage lending practices in the Atlanta metropolitan and in June, 2016. These two matters were settled by area. agreement to limited public interest standards including Several discriminatory practices were identified as appropriate HUD policy review, fair housing training a result: for the property manager and all leasing consultants, Refusal to permit a reasonable accommodation for periodic HUD monitoring and partial recovery of costs persons with a disabilities; by Metro for its enforcement actions. Quoting differences in availability and rental rates Notable Investigations based on Race; Private Sector/Disability Providing persons with children false information During 2016 Metro received a number of complaints regarding availability and terms and conditions of based on a housing provider s refusal to make a apartment rentals; reasonable accommodation for a tenant with a Quoting higher fees and interest rates to women disability. Recent examples: when inquiring about refinancing; and, 1. In May, 2016, a case manager from a long-standing Creating a hostile environment by limiting privileges, partner contacted Metro for assistance with a Section intimidation and threats on the basis of Race and 8 client who was having difficulty with receiving Familial Status. a reasonable accommodation for a documented HUD Referrals disability. Enforcement staff advised the case worker and provided the DOJ/HUD joint statement guidelines In 2016-2017 Metro filed nine (9) administrative on reasonable accommodations and modifications. complaints with the Department of Housing and Urban Subsequently, the case worker advised Metro that the Development (HUD) in cases brought on the protected client notified the public housing authority (PHA) of her basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Familial Status intent to file a complaint with Metro, which resulted in and Disability. Pursuant to 24 CFR 103.225, a the PHA finding an accessible unit and negotiating with HUD investigation on an administrative complaint the original landlord to let the client out of her lease, remains open until a determination is made..., or thereby approving the reasonable accommodation. a conciliation agreement is executed and approved.... Unless it is impracticable to do so, the Assistant 2. In June, 2016, Metro was contacted by a Black Secretary will complete the investigation of the alleged female, head of household in Fulton County to request discriminatory housing practice within 100 days of the assistance with a landlord who was refusing her filing of the complaint. If HUD is unable to complete documented request for a reasonable accommodation the investigation within the 100-day period, HUD will for a service animal for her child with a disability. The notify the aggrieved person and the respondent, by Director of Enforcement contacted the owner who mail, of the reasons for the delay. maintained he had a strict no pet policy. After In 2015-2016, of the ten (10) complaints filed with HUD considerable discussion, he agreed to permit the service, Metro entered conciliations on two (2) complaints animal without a fee. addressing reasonable accommodations for persons 3. In July, 2016, a White female, head of household from with disabilities. Upon investigation it was found Gordon County sought Metro s assistance in gaining that six (6) complaints raised no reasonable cause a reasonable accommodation for a service animal for a finding of discrimination against persons with prescribed for her child with a disability. The Director disabilities in need of reasonable accommodations. of Enforcement contacted the manager who maintained Two (2) complaints alleging discriminatory intent a strict no pet policy. Following discussions and remain under HUD investigation greater than 365 days. email exchanges (of the joint statements from HUD 4
continued from page 4 and DOJ on reasonable accommodations) provided to the manager, he agreed to permit the service animal without a fee. 4. In October, 2016, Metro was contacted by a White female, head of household in Forsyth County requesting assistance with a landlord who had granted her documented request for a reasonable accommodation for a service animal, but later denied the specific service animal due to complaints from tenants. The Director of Enforcement contacted the management company, who referred her to the Fair Housing Coordinator. After considerable discussion and the management company s consultation with their own attorney, it was agreed that the specific animal could stay subject to agreed upon conditions or accommodations to protect all residents. Private Sector/ National Origin Metro has received multiple complaints regarding one rental housing provider that indicate a discriminatory practice of harassing and/or evicting Hispanic tenants who have limited English proficiency. Complainants allege that this practice is based on National Origin and Familial Status. Metro has verified this complaint with ENFORCEMENT UPDATE seven current or former residents of the community and is preparing to file a HUD 903 complaint, alleging a pattern and practice of discriminatory actions. Private Sector/ Coercion, Threats, Intimidation, Hostile Environment Metro has filed a 903 complaint against a condominium association for the harassment of a Black female, head-of-household based on Race, Color, and Familial Status. Complainant alleges that the Association Board members were active in the harassment of her family, including the failure to provide terms, services and privileges granted others and harassment by the Association s security guard and local police. Moving forward in 2017, Metro will continue to aggressively enforce the Fair Housing Act, seeking to achieve Congress s dual goals: the elimination of housing discrimination and the promotion of diverse and inclusive communities. We encourage all residents to report any instances of illegal housing discrimination to the Discrimination Help Line at 404-524-0000. continued from page 1 Down Payment Assistance Project Launched with Georgia ACT In January 2017 Metro partnered with Georgia Advancing Communities Together, Inc. (Georgia ACT) to kick off a $250,000 down payment assistance project whose goal is to stimulate reinvestment in specific metropolitan Atlanta neighborhoods of color to counteract the damage resulting from the foreclosure crisis. The program is designed to provide low-to-moderate income individuals with the opportunity to become owner-occupants in southwest Atlanta and south Dekalb County neighborhoods hardest hit by foreclosures. Up to $7,500 (inclusive of a program fee) in a non-repayable gift can be used towards down payment and/or closing cost assistance by borrowers who qualify for loan products offered by ICDPA s approved mortgage lenders and who meet the requirements regarding borrower, property, service area, and homebuyer education/ counseling eligibility. Through its work in evaluating bank-owned REO (Real Estate Owned/foreclosed) properties, Metro joined several other private fair housing organizations in filing HUD administrative complaints against lenders alleging differential treatment in the maintenance and marketing of foreclosures in neighborhoods of color versus white neighborhoods. Settlements reached in those enforcement actions resulted in community relief funds being administered by Metro in communities of color impacted by the foreclosure crisis where its REO investigations occurred. The Inclusive Communities Down Payment Assistance Program (ICDPA) is administered by Georgia ACT in collaboration with The Institute for Community Pros LLC. Georgia ACT is a statewide membership association of non-profit housing and community development organizations. Its mission is to build and support a statewide network of thriving member organizations and trained professionals engaged in housing and community development serving families with limited housing choices. To find out how you can qualify for assistance, visit the ICDPA website www.icdpageorgia.com, or contact the administrator, Michele Calloway, at 470-588- 1395 or via email at info@icdpageorgia.com. 5
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Please join Metro Fair Housing Services and the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity- Office of the Governor for the 2017 Fair Housing & Civil Rights Conference celebrating the 49 th Anniversary of the Passage of the Federal Fair Housing Act and April, National Fair Housing Month. The Conference theme is THE STATE OF FAIR HOUSING & CIVIL RIGHTS: WHERE ARE WE NOW? Wednesday, April 26, 201 7 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm State Bar of Georgia Conference Center Please plan your participation for the entire day featuring panel discussions, presentations and networking opportunities, all led by distinguished civil rights activists and practitioners, government officials and non- profit organizations. Registration and breakfast begin promptly at 8:30 am. PLEASE REGISTER BY COB FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 201 7. There is no registration or other fee for this conference. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. For registration or questions regarding the conference, please contact marion.thomas@metrofairhousing.com or across@gceo.state.ga.us 7
LAINEZ THRIVES AS BILINGUAL OUTREACH SPECIALIST In 2016 Metro welcomed the youngest member of its team, Cesar Lainez, as the Bilingual Outreach Specialist (BOS). The BOS is responsible for Education & Outreach activities under FHIP and local jurisdictional contracts. He is responsible for establishing working partnerships with stakeholder groups, particularly those serving the Hispanic community, and conducting fair housing education seminars for the general public and housing industry professionals. Cesar manages and implements the agency s Outreach & Marketing Plan, which includes social media and traditional means of marketing (radio, television, print, etc.). Cesar was born and raised in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and he has been involved in efforts to preserve human rights and serve the domestic and international community. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, he has participated in humanitarian aid efforts as well as mission trips with his home church as a translator. During his college career Cesar joined the leadership of Georgia State University s Baptist Collegiate Ministries as their International Student Ministry Leader. The ministry consisted of aiding and facilitating the lives of students who came to visit and study in the city of Atlanta and providing assistance in all aspects of the students lives - airport pick-ups and drop-offs, city tours and planning white water rafting and skiing trips designed to create connections between domestic and international students. While serving students from all over the world, Cesar honed his communication skills and learned to appreciate and respect multiple cultures. Cesar married the love of his life, Daniella, in November 2016. The Metro family was concerned that he may not return from their honeymoon in Paris!! My vision remains focused for this position - to get the message out! It s incredible how much work has been done to get to where we are currently with civil rights, and yet so many people are still oblivious to their fair housing rights. Using the abundance of partner resources that the internet offers, Cesar boosts Metro s presence in north Georgia and radiates the message of equal housing rights for all people. Only a small percentage of the fair housing law violations that occur every day turn into complaints actually filed; this is because people either do not know their rights or do not know what action to take when they have been discriminated against. We want residents in our 9-county service area to know they deserve better; they deserve to have their rights upheld; and, that Metro is here for all their fair housing needs. 8
NO MOUNTAIN TOO HIGH - NO VALLEY TOO LOW at his church who uses his time wisely to empower the congregation with his skills and talent. He volunteers faithfully in the Real Estate Ministry where he uses his expertise to educate prospective homebuyers on the urgency of obtaining a home inspection. He complements that work by finding the time to minister to those who are incarcerated. Though Jacques works seven days a week, he has never been too busy to accept Metro s call. He simply asks, when and where? Since 2009 Jacques has volunteered to conduct the Why Do I Need A Home Inspection segment of Metro s Home Buyer Education Certification classes. Participants consistently rank is presentation Excellent as Jacques brings graphic videos and his own brand of humor to communicate the most serious issues. Mr. Mountain, Metro salutes your tenacity and commitment to sharing your valuable knowledge at no cost to our families and hundreds of residents in need of your help!!!! Jacques Mountain has been a Certified Home Inspector since 2006. He is a Member of the International Association of Home Inspectors, Certified HUD 203K Consultant and CodeCertified for New Construction (ICC). He is also certified to conduct inspections for mold, lead-based paint, commercial properties and Thermal Imaging (moisture investigation, energy loss, and other infrared services). When he is not inspecting properties or taking care of his family, Jacques is engaged in his other passion, an ordained minister HENRY COUNTY DECLARES APRIL 2017 FAIR HOUSING MONTH Marion Thomas, Program Manager, accepts Proclamation from Henry County Chairwoman, June Wood To ensure compliance with the County s workplan resulting from its Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice study (AI), Shannan Sagnot, Henry s CDBG Coordinator, manages the County s contract with Metro which assists the jurisdiction in meeting its obligation to affirmatively further fair housing. The Proclamation encouraged all agencies, institutions and individuals, public and private, in Henry County, Georgia to abide by the letter and the spirit of the Fair Housing law, and declared illegal barriers to fair housing opportunities, no matter how subtle, diminish the rights of all. On April 4, 2017, the Henry County Board of Commissioners officially designated April 2017 as Fair Housing Month in the County. Commission Chair, June Wood, presented the Proclamation to Marion Thomas of Metro Fair Housing Services, Inc. during its recognition ceremonies honoring the 49th anniversary of the passage of the Federal Fair Housing Act. Metro responded to a request for proposals issued by the County in 2014 for provision of Fair Housing Education & Outreach services to Henry s residents. Metro was selected and awarded a one year contract, renewable for two one-year periods subject to meeting its performance objectives annually. 9
METRO Event Calendar* April 1, 2017 2:00 pm -3:00 pm D & E 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway Decatur, GA. 30034 Fair Housing/Fair Lending Seminar April 1, 2017 4:00 pm 4:45 pm Center for Working Families 261 Joseph Lowery Blvd Atlanta, GA 30314 Fair Housing/Fair Lending Seminar April 4, 2017 2:00 pm 2:30 pm Hairston Lake 1023 N. Hairston Road Stone Mountain, GA. 30083 Fair Housing Seminar April 7, 2017 1:00 pm 3:00 pm Fairview Public Library 28 Austin Road Stockbridge, GA 30281 Fair Housing Seminar April 8, 2017 12:00 pm 1:00 pm NID Southern Crescent 686 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd Atlanta, GA 30310 Fair Housing/Fair Lending Seminar April 10, 2017 2:00 pm 2:30 pm Spring Chase II 4947 Memorial Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Fair Housing /Landlord Tenant April 11, 2017 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Resident Services of DeKalb County 3522 Blair Circle NE Brookhaven GA 30083 Fair Housing/Landlord Tenant Workshop April 11, 2017 5:30-7:30 pm Housing Authority of Fulton County 4273 Wendell Drive Atlanta, GA 30336 Fair Housing/Fair Lending Workshop April 12, 2017 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm NID Georgia 4788 Jonesboro Rd Building B Suite 1 Union City, GA 30291 Fair Housing/Fair Lending April 12, 2017 1:00 pm 5:00 pm Clayton County Community Development 1671 Adamson Parkway, Suite 101 Morrow, GA 30060 Fair Housing Training for Local Jurisdictional Staff April 12, 2017 7:00 pm 8:00 pm Radio Show WRFG FM 89.3 What Discrimination Looks Like in 2017 Joyce Catrett/Gail L. Williams, Presenters April 13, 2017 9:00 pm 11:00 pm Latin American Association 2750 Buford Hwy NE Atlanta, GA 30324 Fair Housing/Landlord Tenant Workshop April 14, 2017 1:15 2:15 pm Zion Hill CDC 2741 Bayard Street East Point, GA 30344 Fair Housing/Landlord Tenant Workshop April 15, 2017 9:00 am 5:00 pm NID Atlanta Metro 21 Hwy 38 Riverdale, GA 30274 Fair Housing/Fair Lending April 18, 2017 1:00 5:00 pm Columbus Consolidated Government Fair Housing Month Event Mildred Terry Library 640 Veterans Parkway Columbus, GA 31901 Fair Housing Training Disability Rights April 20, 2017 1:00 5:00 pm Fair Housing Month Training Event City of Atlanta Office of Housing 250 Georgia Avenue, SE Atlanta, GA 30312 Fair Housing Training for Sub-recipients April 20, 2017 5:30-7:30 pm Housing Authority of Fulton County 4273 Wendell Drive Atlanta, GA 30336 Fair Housing/Fair Lending Workshop April 22, 2017 12:00 pm 1:00 pm NID Southern Crescent 21 Hwy 138 Riverdale, GA 30374 Fair Housing/Fair Lending 10
METRO Event Calendar*(cont.) April 22, 2017 3:00 pm 4:00 pm Catholic Charities 801 Tom Smith Rd Lilburn, GA 30047 Fair Housing/Fair Lending April 27, 2017 9:30 am 10:00 am NID Atlanta Metro 21 Hwy 138 Riverdale, GA 30374 Fair Housing/ Fair Lending April 29, 2017 8:00 am 8:30 am Housing Authority of Fulton County 4273 Wendell Drive Atlanta, GA 30336 Fair Housing/Fair Lending April 29, 2017 10:00 am 11:00 am Urban League 229 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30303 Fair Housing /Fair Lending * May not include all events It s okay to consider color... A ZIP CODE SHOULD NOT DETERMINE A CHILD S FUTURE. Many variables can shape a child s outcome in life like the zip code where a child grows up. That s because not all neighborhoods have the same opportunities and resources, such as quality schools, transportation, housing, healthcare, food and jobs. The good news is that there are many ways to improve our communities so that everyone has a fair chance to succeed, regardless of zip code. You can play a vital role in your local community. Find out how at: hud.gov/fairhousing FAIR HOUSING. SHARED OPPORTUNITY IN EVERY COMMUNITY. A public service message from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in partnership with the National Fair Housing Alliance. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. For more information, visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing....as long as it s green. Judging you by what you look like instead of your qualifications is discrimination. What matters is your ability to pay for housing. It s illegal to consider race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status in the sale or rental of housing. If you suspect unfair housing practices, contact HUD or your local Fair Housing Center. Everyone deserves a fair chance. I m sorry. I must have misplaced your paperwork... Your credit report isn t back. Your income hasn t been verified yet. Don t be fooled by excuses. What appears to be a delay could be discrimination. You can fight back. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY If you suspect unfair housing practices, contact HUD or your local Fair Housing Center. Everyone deserves a fair chance. FAIR HOUSING IS THE LAW! U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 1-800-669-9777 TDD 1-800-927-9275 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY FAIR HOUSING IS THE LAW! U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 1-800-669-9777 TDD 1-800-927-9275 11
TESTING: BECOME A FOOT SOLDIER FOR DR. KING Fair housing is rooted in the larger civil rights movement. It was in 1966 when Martin Luther King, Jr. moved to a decrepit Chicago flat to highlight housing disparities in the local area. That year, the Chicago Freedom Movement conducted fair housing testing to determine the extent of housing discrimination in the Chicago region. King tested for housing discrimination by sending White and Black testers into the same housing facilities to determine if personal treatment was uniform across racial barriers. Fifty years later fair housing organizations, such as METRO, continue to identify unfair housing practices through the same testing techniques used by Dr. King, CORE, and the SCLC in the sixties. Martin Luther King, Jr. taught us that one man s vision can bring about an entire movement for change. As King bravely marched for his ideals, so do we today continue that march towards equality. In the spirit of the 48th Anniversary of the Passage of the Fair Housing Act and the 42nd Anniversary of Metro Fair Housing Services, please JOIN US in this movement and become a foot soldier for King s dream. Continue the work he began (and make a little cash as well)!! Become a civil rights investigator. Interested persons should contact Metro s Director of Enforcement. Tester training consists of an initial 4-hour and other inservice sessions. Upon successful completion of training requirements, available testers are contacted as needed to conduct testing regarding compliance with fair housing laws. Each assignment lasts approximately 1-3 hours and pays a stipend between $25.00 to $150.00 plus a $.535 per mile travel reimbursement (effective January 2017). JOIN THE MOVEMENT- BECOME A TESTER! Applicant must: Be 18 years of age or older Have no convictions of a misdemeanor involving truth veracity or honesty or of any felony Have good observational and writing skills Attend Tester Trainings as required Be able to donate approximately 1-3 hours for each test Be punctual with reliable transportation For registration and project information, please contact us at testers@metrofairhousing.com or 404-524-0000. Picture obtained through the National Archives and Records Administration, Records of the U.S. Metro Fair Housing Services, Inc. 215 Lakewood Way SW Suite 106 Atlanta, GA 30315 Phone: 404-524-0000 Fax: 404-524-0005