The Fair Housing Council of Metropolitan Memphis
The Fair Housing Council of Metropolitan Memphis (FHCMM) is a new nonprofit that exists to combat the history of public and private policies and practices which have led to high degrees of segregation and discriminatory actions against vulnerable populations in Metropolitan Memphis.
What is fair housing testing ?
Testing is a tool used by fair housing organizations and government agencies to investigate housing discrimination.
Testing sometimes includes sending two people who are assigned similar profiles and housing needs but a different protected class status, such as race. The tester s contact a housing provider asking about similar housing units to see if they are treated d ifferently.
Testing can occur in the rental, real estate, sales, or lending markets. The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized that without testing, most housing discrimination goes undetected.
What are testers?
Testers are a diverse group of reliable, conscientious people, 18 years and older, who assist the FHCMM in gathering information about housing practices. They are of various racial and ethnic groups, men, women, and nonbinary folks, over a broad range of ages with and without disabilities.
Testers take on various roles and profiles depending on characteristics assigned them by a test coordinator.
Testers do not try to trap the housing provider or cause them to discriminate. They perform a task similar to a restaurant critic or "secret shopper." They observe and record their experiences and gather information about housing providers and their policies and practices. After each test, the tester completes an account of what occurred during the test for submission to FHCMM.
What are testers required to do?
If a tester’s application is approved , testers are required to participate in training prior to conducting any tests.
Testers are classified as special employees who receive a stipend for their time ranging from $40 to $100 per test , depending on the type of test conducted. Related expenses can be reimbursed with prior approval.
Testers do not need to have their own car so long as they are able to get to and from needed test sites. Some tests can be done over the phone. Tests are arranged around the tester’s schedule on an as needed basis.
Due to the potential to be a witness in a lawsuit or administrative complaint involving their tests, testers are screened for criminal history and any possible conflicts of interest.
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
3355 Poplar Avenue, 112, Memphis, TN 38111, US
At the core of FHCMM is a steadfast commitment to advocacy, education, community engagement, and enforcement. We advocate for robust policies that uphold housing rights and work tirelessly to effect change that promotes inclusivity and fairness. Through comprehensive educational initiatives, we will empower Memphis individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the complex housing landscape and assert their rights. Our community engagement efforts are designed to foster collaboration and solidarity, bringing together diverse groups to address housing challenges collectively.
The Fair Housing Council of Metropolitan Memphis (FHCMM) is dedicated to ensuring fair, safe, and equitable housing for all individuals, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, or physical and mental ability. We firmly believe that access to equitable housing is a fundamental human right, and we are committed to eliminating the systemic barriers that perpetuate housing discrimination and inequality.
3355 Poplar Avenue112Memphis, TN 38111
July 29, 2024
