Our Work | With contagious hope and a non-partisan process, the widely respected health equity and policy expert . The mission of the FHJC, a nonprofit civil rights organization, is to eliminate housing discrimination; promote policies and programs that foster open, accessible, and inclusive communities; and strengthen enforcement of fair housing laws in the New York City region. Prior to joining the FHJC in 2022, she worked at the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland and for an immigration law firm in New Jersey. Prior to joining the FHJC in 2022, NAndrea worked for several years at Riseboro Community Partnership, a Brooklyn nonprofit dedicated to homelessness prevention, where she held various positions including Intake Specialist. Prior to joining the FHJC, Alaine worked as a Court Advocate for a New York based non-profit organization dedicated to criminal justice reform. Crystal is passionate about housing rights, immigration reform, and expanding language access. As we expand access to housing across New York State, I am using all of the resources at my disposal to combat housing discrimination and ensure that all New Yorkers are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect when seeking the housing of their choice, Governor Hochul said. Justice, and Environmental Safety, NAACP Flint chapter, and several individuals, including Lillian Robinson, sued the state of Michigan's . Alaine Dungee, Director of Investigations (she/her) She also assists in the administration of the organization. Evan has also worked as a fair housing tester at Housing Opportunities Made Equal. Unlock NYC is a tech nonprofit majority-led by women who have experienced housing discrimination due to having rental assistance vouchers. Michelle de la Uz Executive Director, Fifth Avenue Committee. Westchester County, meanwhile, remains under a 2009 federal consent order to build 750 units of affordable housing to settle a False Claims Act lawsuit over the county's failure to affirmatively further fair housing. Harris Rand Lusk: Executive Director, Fund for Public Housing. The lawsuit was brought after a lengthy investigation was conducted by NFHA and the other fair housing organizations. . Previously, he had worked in fundraising and development at ICD-Institute for Career Development, and has worked with The Doe Fund, helping residents of homeless shelters to find housing and employment. Fair Housing Rights and Remedies. He joined the organization as an Equal Justice Works Fellow in 2006. Thanks to the support of HCR, people throughout our service area will know that they can come to us for help, and that our programs will get them the help they need.. This funding allows us to assist in enforcing the very necessary protections afforded under New York State law. Deputy Directorericdobson@fairsharehousing.org, This work is personal to me because my ancestors believed in this country. "For 25 years, the NC Justice Center has served the people of North Carolina in an effort to improve the lives of its most vulnerable citizens," said the Honorable Patricia . Tanushree loves New Jersey; she grew up attending the public schools of Jersey City and is excited to be back in her home state working for Fair Share Housing Center. Black Americans have been fighting for freedom from all oppression that has hindered our nation from reaching its full potential and living up to its pledge, One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!. As a filmmaker, he produced pieces for the news magazine Out at the Center, and also produced the award-winning short filmDeflated, a snapshot of a boys gender crisis. | 212.400.8201, Home | Eric Petersen, Director of Development (he/him) 302, Long Island City, NY 11101 Esm Devenney is a New Jersey Housing Justice Corps Fellow at Fair Share Housing Center. Fred was a founder and the first Executive Director of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council from 1977-1981. We look forward to continuing partnership with New York State Homes and Community Renewal to eliminate discrimination in housing., This page is available in other languages. The complaint alleged discrimination based on race and religion. U.S. District Judge Vincent Briccetti approved the settlement, in which Eastchester agreed to dismantle the preference system embedded in its zoning code. Resources | | 212.400.8201, Home | Simultaneous Spanish translation will be provided. Rachel is a Staff Attorney at Fair Share Housing Center. 02.28.23. I am honored to continue working with the exceptional FHJC staff and my colleagues on the board in this new role, said Ms. Nacinovich. In the nonprofit field, hehasworked in development as a campaign associate for both Amnesty International and Human Rights First. New York State partnered with six nonprofit organizations across the state to deploy undercover testers to act as potential renters and home seekers. Thanks to the support of HCR, people throughout our service area will know that they can come to us for help, and that our programs will get them the help they need., Ian Wilder, Executive Director of Long Island Housing Services, said, Long Island Housing Services is grateful to New York State for supporting much needed fair housing work. Mr. Freiberg is one the nation's leading experts on the use of undercover testing as an investigative tool to [] He is the Co-Founder of Open Communities LLC, a racial integration consultant firm that works to resolve simple and complex conflicts of race, ethnicity and socio- economics. She began her professional career working in corporate human resources and transitioned to the social services field in search of something more fulfilling. She is a former chair of the Civil Rights Committee at the New York City Bar Association and a committed advocate of civil rights. So far, the county has spent more than $70 million to comply. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing inspirational leadership to the organization to ensure that it continues as a leading champion of fair housing policies in Massachusetts. Testing remains a critical tool for fair housing organizations to use in the fight against discrimination, and . Find out if you meet the requirements! In her hopes to build community between Rutgers Law students and New Jersey organizers and to help shape a legal system that serves everyday people rather than the corporate status-quo, she co-founded a chapter of Peoples Parity Project at Rutgers. The case was brought by housing rights advocates who alleged that the town of Eastchesters residency preferences for senior housing discriminated against racial minorities. . Eastchester Town Supervisor Tony Colavita said that Eastchester taxpayers wont feel the impact of the settlement as the towns insurance carrier will pay the settlement and the legal costs incurred in fighting the civil rights case. Adam is Executive Director at Fair Share Housing Center. He joined as Director of CommunityEngagement in 2012. "To get a Section 8 voucher in the City of New York, there'sa residency preference, but it is lawful because New York City is very diverse. The outreach funding will provide an enhanced opportunity for us to increase awareness of fair housing rights and responsibilities, especially the strong protections that New York State has put in place to counter source-of-income discrimination, and to provide training to tenants, home seekers, and housing providers. Initiative, assisting tenants using rental subsidies to exercise their fair housing rights. His fellowship through the Rutgers University School of Law focused on redevelopment and affordable housing. Contact our . In 1992, he helped to establish and later directed a national testing program at the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice. If you are a senior citizen in Eastchester and your intention was to go to your same church, go to your same doctor and have family around you as you grow older, removing the preference was not good, he said. He joined the FHJC in 2022. In her current role as Office Manager, Lucille is responsible for the FHJCs administrative and office operations and assists the Executive Director in the development and implementation of personnel, procurement, and office policies and procedures. Today, the Fair Housing Justice Center . He joined the organization in 2015 as the Inaugural Maida Public Interest Fellow. She has experience in family law and has served both veteran and youth communities. Caroline Peattie is the Executive Director of Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California (FHANC) and has been with the organization since 1996. Even more so, it enables Long Islanders move toward a home that we all strive for where our neighbors can choose to live wherever they want free of discrimination. Fair Share Housing Center is a nonprofit advocacy organization that uses legal, policy, and community-building strategies to fight for housing justice in New Jersey and beyond. Dear Governor Hochul, As a diverse coalition of housing nonprofits, tenant activists, policy organizations, fair housing and immigrant justice organizations, and more, we write to applaud your inclusion of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) legalization in your FY 2023 budget proposal. According to the lawsuit, the couple, Kaseim Tripp,an African-American man and army veteran, and his wife,Kimberly Rosario,an Afro-Puerto Rican woman, were told in front of other prospective buyers who were white, that they would not be comfortable in the home because it was in a Jewish neighborhood. The lawsuit also alleged that during a follow-up phone call about the property later that evening from Mr. Tripp, Mr. Aryeh continued to attempt to steer the plaintiffs away from Midwood. She has worked with various non-profit organizations who provide housing to low and very low income communities. Nevertheless, Freiberg said that residency preferences would most likely not be allowed under the Fair Housing Act in a suburb like Eastchester. As part of the FHJCs Investigative Coordinator team, Evan conducts research and leads and structures housing discrimination investigations. Follow Tax Watch columnist David McKay Wilson on Facebook or Twitter @davidmckaywils1. Zoey also previously served as Assistant Attorney General for the State of New York, Special Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey, and a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for theSouthern District of New York. . She joined the organization in 2022. He previously served as the FHJCs Executive Director for nine years before transitioning to his current position in 2021. He said the broad range of preferences in the zoning code went far beyond anything that was necessary to address the needs of Eastchester residents, with its broad range of preferences. When not working, hes an avid cyclist and reader of American history. The FHJC conducted a testing investigation confirming the discrimination, and joined the couple in a lawsuit that led to a settlement. Our Team. President Anne Nacinovich, Vice President Rev. Katherine is the Director of Land Use at Fair Share Housing Center. As a Rutgers law student, Bauers received the Mary Philbrook student public interest award, the Deans Pro Bono Publico Award for Exceptional Service, and the Eve Biskind Klothen Pro Bono Distinction Award. As Legal Coordinator, Madhulikas duties include managing the FHJCs legal docket and coordinating with the FHJCs cooperating attorneys, including non-profit partners and law firms. 2008 2022 FAIR HOUSING JUSTICE CENTER | 30-30 Northern Blvd., Ste. She has a longstanding history of service as pro bono counsel in the areas of child advocacy, musical arts, and domestic violence. From a young age, Tanushree was interested in issues of economic justice and wealth inequality; she wished to understand why some neighborhoods and people are poor while others thrive. Paola is an Administrative Assistant at Fair Share Housing Center. The defendants actions fundamentally prevent those New Yorkers with the most dire need for housing from obtaining safe and secure homes for themselves and their families. ", Elizabeth Grossman, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Justice Center, said, The Fair Housing Justice Center is immensely grateful for this support from HCR and we are eager to get to work on new testing and outreach activities. Ashley is a Staff Attorney at Fair Share Housing Center. Craig Waletzko, Community Engagement Coordinator (he/him) The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts announced today that they have filed an amended complaint alleging that the Chicopee Housing Authority and its Executive Director, Monica Blazic, violated federal law by discriminating against residents based on race, national origin and disability. Assisting the Executive Director in all aspects of FSHC daily operations and strategic planning, Eric also focuses on development, advocacy and communication, policy, and coalition building in order to bring about racial, economic and social integration. The expansion will increase proactive investigations of suspected housing discrimination and enhance education and outreach efforts on fair housing rights, including for individuals with a history of criminal system involvement. The policy . Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $2.2 million expansion of New Yorks Fair Housing Testing Program designed to root out discrimination in home rental and sale transactions. 212.400.8201. As National Field Consultant, Fred works part-time on fair housing projects of national significance. All of the attorneys are with the law firm ofLatham & Watkins LLP. The Fair Housing Testing Program is administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewals Fair and Equitable Housing Office and expands the pilot testing program established by the office in 2021. Strategic Consulting in Employment, Disability and Civil Rights Matters. 9am - 12pm. It gave a preference to residents age 55 as well as toimmediate family of current or former residents, and relatives of town residents. and J.D. Elizabeth Grossman, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Justice Center, said, "The Fair Housing Justice Center is immensely grateful for this support from HCR and we are eager to get to work on new testing and outreach activities. Our Fair Housing Testing program complements Governor Hochuls New York Housing Compact, which will proactively address disparities in housing access, exclusionary zoning, and other barriers that impede fair housing goals, and help us build a better and more equitable New York for all.. One building for low-income seniors was 95% white, with just 1 Black tenant. They alleged that Redfin's minimum home price policy violated the federal Fair Housing Act by discriminating against sellers and buyers of homes in communities . Our Fair Housing Testing program complements Governor Hochuls New York Housing Compact, which will proactively address disparities in housing access, exclusionary zoning, and other barriers that impede fair housing goals, and help us build a better and more equitable New York for all.. Yvette, Ramsey, Michelle and I share a commitment to the FHJCs mission of fighting housing discrimination, and we are excited to work together towards that goal., FHJC Executive DirectorElizabeth Grossmanpaid tribute to the outgoing officers includingBernhard Blythe, who is stepping down after more than three years as Board President, along with Vice PresidentLisa DardenandSecretaryMichele Aronowitz. He is a founding FHJC Board member and former employee of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Justice Department. Housing Opportunities Made Equal will introduce Elisabeth Risch as its new executive director at its annual fair-housing luncheon on April 13. . Zoe Brokos (she/her) is the executive director of the Church of Safe Injection, a comprehensive harm reduction program that operates in Southern and Central Maine. Rachel is involved in all aspects of the Centers legal advocacy work. In March, Fair Housing Justice Center executive director Fred Freiberg testified in Washington D.C against the termination of the 2015 AFFH rule, saying the rule had existed since the Fair Housing Act of 1968 existed and that Obama's rule merely gave it needed teeth. He attended Fayetteville State University in North Carolina where he received both his B.A. The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights are partnering to provide a comprehensive '101' level class for rental housing professionals who are new and are seeking an introduction to fair housing, which will be held on: Tuesday, March 14, 2023 from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon (FREE) via Zoom. Paola is also a certified Occupancy Specialist for LIHTC Compliance. Research conducted by the center detailed how the residency preferences in Eastchester had resulted in housing complexes where tenant rolls werepredominantly white. Legal Fellowtanushreebansal@fairsharehousing.org, I love the opportunity to work in my home state of New Jersey and make a difference in the lives of low-income residents throughout the state. Prior to joining FSHC, she worked for 15 years as a Property Manager in Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties. The outreach funding will provide an enhanced opportunity for us to increase awareness of fair housing rights and responsibilities, especially the strong protections that New York State has put in place to counter source-of-income discrimination, and to provide training to tenants, home seekers, and housing providers. Only by overcoming housing discrimination can we free Long Islanders to live their best lives.. Resources | She has been a fierce housing advocate her whole career. As the FHJCs first-ever Director of Investigations, Alaine manages all investigative activities and supervises investigative staff. The new state regulations, announced on February 22 . The FHJC, Unlock NYC, and other groups are working together and using the latest technology to root out hidden discrimination.. We are very pleased with this result. Brooklyn, New York, United States. Southern District of New York. Prior to joining FSHC, Rachel worked for international and Am Law 100 law firms where she successfully represented individual and corporate clients in complex commercial litigation and business matters at the state and federal level. 2008 2022 FAIR HOUSING JUSTICE CENTER | 30-30 Northern Blvd., Ste. Meet Fred Freiberg, the Executive Director of the Fair Housing Justice Center (FHJC), a nonprofit civil rights organization dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination, promoting policies that foster inclusive communities, and strengthening enforcement of fair housing laws. 2d. Rev. Dr.Yvette D. Wilson-Barnes, Treasurer Ramsey Chamie, and Secretary Michelle Sullivan-Brady were elected to two-year terms at the most recent meeting of the FHJC Board of Directors. FHJC's mission is to . Westchesters latest fair housing case has cost the town of Eastchester $635,000. She is involved in all aspects of the Centers legal work. We felt strongly that the preferences allowed aging in place for our seniors, and that would be the best for our seniors, he said. Dear friends of the FHJC, As I conclude my first year as Executive Director of the Fair Housing Justice Center (FHJC), New York City's only full-service fair housing organization, I'm hoping . Madhulika holds an undergraduate law degree from the University of Oxford, a Master of Laws degree from New York University School of Law, and was admitted to the New York bar in 2021. Obama's HUD Secretary Julian Castro where she was a guiding . Fairhurst initially worked with Fair Share as a legal intern for six months starting in the summer of 2020. More information on Fair Housing can be found on HCRs website: Marlene Zarfes, Executive Director of Westchester Residential Opportunities, said, This work is critical to ensuring a housing market in the Lower Hudson Valley in which every household has an equal opportunity to participate, regardless of skin color, ethnicity, source of income, disability or any other protected class.". Ian Wilder, Executive Director of Long Island Housing Services, said, Long Island Housing Services is grateful to New York State for supporting much needed fair housing work. The Fair Housing Justice Center has won similar cases against housing preferences in the towns of Yorktown and Bedford, and the village of Great Neck Plaza. 21-cv-646). For six years prior to joining Fair Share and attending law school, Will worked with nonprofit legal services organizations in New York City on Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts. She joined the organization in 2021. Strengthen enforcement fair housing laws; The Fair Housing Justice Center, Inc. (FHJC) is a regional fair housing organization based in New York City. Today, the Fair Housing Justice Center . "If that residency preference can be shown to have a discriminatory effect on protected populations, it is likely unlawful under the Fair Housing Act," said Freiberg. As an Intake & Outreach Specialist, Crystal assists individuals with housing discrimination complaints, and conducts outreach regarding fair housing rights and responsibilities.