Joshs experience includes successfully overturning invalid zoning ordinances and reversing arbitrary and capricious Planning Board denials when municipal boards attempt to block affordable housing developments. Session 2: 10:00 - 11:00am . Eastchester resident Janet Harrison, who is raising her children in a bi-racial family, said it took a civil rights lawsuit to spark action by the town. If the preferences were more narrowly tailored from the outset, he said. Racially discriminatory policies and practices in land-use, zoning and the operation of affordable housing program still present formidable barriers to housing choice and reinforce residential racial segregation, said Freiberg. 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. Executive Director, Fair Housing Justice Center. She previously worked as a tester with Westchester Residential Opportunities and with the FHJC before joining the staff in her current position in 2021. In contrast, Eastchester is not very diverse so a residency preference there would effectively reduce access by African American and Latinx potential applicants.". The policy . Before joining the FHJC in 2022, he spent two years at the Center for Urban Studies at the University at Buffalo, where he was a project assistant focusing on Geographic Information Systems analyses of underdeveloped and segregated communities. She also conducts targeted outreach and oversees FHJCs F.A.S.T. As the FHJCs first-ever Director of Investigations, Alaine manages all investigative activities and supervises investigative staff. An East End premiere showing of Norman Lear's A House Divided featuring undercover Fair Housing investigations and discussion with documentary participant, Fair Housing Justice Center's nationally renowned Executive Director Fred Freiberg, will cap the evening. James is Director of Racial Justice Policy at Fair Share Housing Center. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, and Amherst College. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Management from the State University of New York College at Purchase where he received the Senatorial Appreciation Award in recognition of outstanding service as Chairman of the Public Arts Council and School of the Arts Senator. One building for low-income seniors was 95% white, with just 1 Black tenant. All of the attorneys are with the law firm ofLatham & Watkins LLP. Shaye Belcon, National Projects and Investigations Coordinator (she/her) This is a free webinar but for internet security purposes, registration is required. (Clockwise from upper left: Anne Nacinovich, Rev. ", 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. Resources | As an Intake & Outreach Specialist, Crystal assists individuals with housing discrimination complaints, and conducts outreach regarding fair housing rights and responsibilities. Erin Boggs, Executive Director of Open Communities Alliance, Bryan Greene, Director of Fair Housing Policy for the National Association of Realtors and Fred Freiberg, Executive Director of Fair Housing Justice Center will be our guest speakers. Since 2014, Eric has worked at New York based nonprofits with a focus on equity in employment and housing. 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.. Rob holds a BFA in acting from New York University. 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.. The settlement provides $230,000 for plaintiffs' damages, attorney's fees and costs and requires substantial changes to the rental operations at the apartment complex, located off Jericho Turnpike at 11 Mayfair Garden, Commack, New York. She was promoted to Senior Investigative Coordinator in 2017 and to her current position in 2021. Shaye holds a masters degree in social work from the University of Akron and a bachelors degree in social work from Cleveland State University. HCR has finalized contracts with six organizations to conduct testing in 48 counties including Nassau and Suffolk, Westchester, Albany and Schenectady counties, as well as the five boroughs of New York City. The Fair Housing Justice Center (FHJC) is pleased to announce its newly elected slate of officers. Eric also founded Planting Seeds of Hope, a non-profit focused on youth development and education, and he served as the PA Clergy Outreach Director for Obamas 2008 Presidential Campaign. New York State partnered with six nonprofit organizations across the state to deploy undercover testers to act as potential renters and home seekers. Since joining the FHJC as an Investigative Coordinator in 2015, she has coordinated hundreds of testing investigations, including complex systemic investigations, and testified in several legal cases. I try to never forget the legacy of civil rights giants who created a space for me to exist. Senior Staff Attorneyjoshuabauers@fairsharehousing.org, FSHCs work is so inspiring because each time new affordable homes are built, and families get to move in, we get to see real world examples of our efforts to make New Jersey fairer.. Director Area B Ann Beitel Del Rio [email protected] Director State Fair of Texas (979)532-9141 [email protected] Nathan Cradduck, President Austin, Texas 78701. Flatbush Development Corporation: Housing Director. The FHJC often uses information provided by the public to inform its investigative decisions, and anyone is free to register a complaint of housing discrimination through our website at any time, including anonymously., Because this type of discrimination has so often gone undetected, too many real estate agents and other housing providers continue to disregard their legal obligations by ignoring or lying to qualified applicants, said FHJC Legal Coordinator Madhulika Murali. 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. News. Frank is also a musician, playing drums and percussion in various genres of music. Carrie Pleasants was appointed as the Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center for Rights & Research on March 1, 2016 after serving as the Interim Director since July of 2015. . The Fair Housing Center of Southeast & Mid Michigan welcomed Fred Freiberg, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Justice Center in New York, as the guest speaker at our charity event on Thursday, March 21st in Ann Arbor. The Fair Housing Justice Center, a nonprofit civil rights organization, is dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination; promoting policies that foster open, accessible, and inclusive communities; and strengthening enforcement of fair housing laws. Michelle de la Uz Executive Director, Fifth Avenue Committee. As housing justice intern, she is responsible for assisting the Education and Outreach Department with fair housing education and outreach activities. Alex completed her Bachelor of Science in Family Science and her Juris Doctor at the University of Maryland. Let us confirm that and get back to you. In the nonprofit field, hehasworked in development as a campaign associate for both Amnesty International and Human Rights First. When prospective renters call Finders NYC, they are instructed to submit additional information via text to be pre-qualified. On disclosing their voucher, most prospective renters receive the same response: To our knowledge, all of our landlords work with vouchers & programs. Defendants unlawful behavior must stop, stated Mr. Goldenberg. Dr. Yvette D. Wilson-Barnes, Michelle Sullivan-Brady, Ramsey Chamie). Their story was featured in the award-winning FHJC documentaryA Matter of Place. Rob worked as a tester with FHJCs Acting for Justice program from 2008 to 2020 before joining the staff in his current position. She returned to the FHJC in her current role in 2022 after previously working for the organization as an Investigative Coordinator and Senior Investigative Coordinator from 2016 2019. 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. Find out if you meet the requirements! It gave a preference to residents age 55 as well as toimmediate family of current or former residents, and relatives of town residents. Home | As part of the resolution of the case, the couple has received monetary payments totaling over $50,000. "We . David joined the Hurricane Sandy Recovery struggle by helping FSHC seize opportunities for fair housing and lower-income resident advocacy in the design and implementation of federally funded recovery programs. Diane L. Houk, a lawyer representing the Fair Housing Justice Center, and also its former executive director, said the requirement of three reference letters from existing owners "sounds neutral . Roundtable participants included, from left to right, McKenna Raney-Gray, LGBTQ Justice Project Staff Attorney, ACLU of Mississippi; John Jopling, Housing Law Director, MS Center for Justice; DeAndra Cullen, DAS, HUD FHEO, Office of Policy, Legislative Initiatives, and Outreach; Stacey Howard, Executive Director, Grace House; Charles Harris, Founder/Executive Director, HEED. He attended Fayetteville State University in North Carolina where he received both his B.A. launched by the New York Office of the Attorney General in partnership with Enterprise Community Partners. As Finance Manager, Paul has been overseeing the FHJCs finances since 2012. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE ADVANCING FAIR HOUSING MISSION. The settlement, which was approved on May 28, comes shortly after the town of Greenburgh settled a federal fair housing case over the town's opposition to affordable housing on Dromore Road in Edgemont for $9.5 million. HOME appreciates the support of NYSHCR in combating bias in housing, and the promotion of diversity and equality in our communities., Sally Santangelo, Executive Director of CNY Fair Housing, said, CNY Fair Housing has a long history of fighting barriers to housing in the Syracuse region. These nonprofit housing agencies will dispatch trained fair housing "testers" to act as potential renters or home seekers to uncover unlawful discriminatory treatment by sellers, brokers, and landlords. I know firsthand how it feels to grow up in a family struggling to afford housing, and I hope that through my legal work I can make the experience easier for others.. Governor Hochul Announces Expanded Efforts to Combat Housing Discrimination Across New York, 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,, Our investment in this crucial program sends a clear message: housing discrimination will not be tolerated here in New York., 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. . Contact our . She also worked on research projects related to criminal justice and public health . About | Prior to joining FSHC she worked in education as a Research Assistant at Carnegie Mellon University and as a high school English teacher. Michael Chavarria, Executive Director of HOPE Fair Housing Center. 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. He has also successfully negotiated agreements with over 100 of New Jerseys municipalities for fair share plans to address their constitutional affordable housing obligations, and he has successfully argued before the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. Zoey is a Staff Attorney at Fair Share Housing Center. She also assists in the administration of the organization. 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. Ashley is a Staff Attorney at Fair Share Housing Center. | 212.400.8201, Home | She is a former chair of the Civil Rights Committee at the New York City Bar Association and a committed advocate of civil rights. "This kind of blatant steering, which has been outlawed for more than 50 years, is a continuing stain on the real estate industry and a major . Everyone deserves a home, and Im proud to work somewhere that prioritizes housing as a human right.. 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. . Fred, who co-founded the FHJC in 2004, is recognized as one of the nations leading experts on the use of testing as an investigative tool for enforcing civil rights laws. During her free time, Gabrielle enjoys writing and performing spoken word poetry. She has been a fierce housing advocate her whole career. 317-644-0673, ext. Moss Justice Center in York County includes the York York County cities sent a letter to the sheriff asserting they had no . 302, Long Island City, NY 11101 | 212.400.8201 . She has been privileged to contribute her time and talents to various community development and rights organizations over the years such as The New Voices Project, working in schools with Theatre for a New Audience; The Watts Village Theater Company, co-directing their first production at the WLCAC and Theaters Against War, formed to protest the war in Iraq. During his time with the FHJC, he has been involved in special projects including serving as the Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary A Matter of Place, appearing in an episode from the EPIX docu-series America Divided titled A House Divided, and consulting with Newsday on the Peabody award-winning investigative series Long Island Divided and appearing in the accompanying video documentary Testing the Divide. Executive Director of Fair Housing Justice Center. Rachel has served on the Supreme Court of New Jersey District X Fee Arbitration Committee as an appointed volunteer attorney, is trained in collaborative law, and received her certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of Southern Florida. Cypress Hills: Foreclosure Prevention Counselor . Center for Congregations. and J.D. 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!. Research conducted by the center detailed how the residency preferences in Eastchester had resulted in housing complexes where tenant rolls werepredominantly white. Outside of work, Crystal enjoys building up her vinyl collection, cooking for friends and family, road trips, and nature walks. On August 4, 2022 Federal District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis denied a motion to dismiss and allowed the Fair Housing Justice Center (FHJC) to proceed with a federal lawsuit alleging that property owners 203 Jay St. Associates, LLC, Amtrust Realty Corp., and architectural firm Woods Bagot Architects, P.C. 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. He has worked extensively in film, television, regional theaters, national tours and on Broadway, and holds a BFA degree in drama from Carnegie Mellon University. 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. Our investment in this crucial program sends a clear message: housing discrimination will not be tolerated here in New York.. 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. Communications Strategistmartinamanicastri@fairsharehousing.org, I am inspired by the sheer number of affordable homes that Fair Share has fought to build. Evans hobbies include hiking and traveling. We felt strongly that the preferences allowed aging in place for our seniors, and that would be the best for our seniors, he said. Andrea has a masters in public administration from Baruch College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University. FHJC Executive Director . The new state regulations, announced on February 22 . failed to design and construct a rental . Sally Santangelo, Executive Director of CNY Fair Housing, said, CNY Fair Housing has a long history of fighting barriers to housing in the Syracuse region. So far, the county has spent more than $70 million to comply. 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. Katherine is the Director of Land Use at Fair Share Housing Center. She is involved in all aspects of the Centers legal work. Gabrielle Vera, Investigative Coordinator (she/her) Alex is the Director of Advocacy and Communications at Fair Share Housing Center. 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.". Though the town opted out of the Section 8 program, Eastchester maintained the towns broad senior housing residency preferences, under which the senior apartments at Elide Manor were built. | 212.400.8201, Home | Senior Staff Attorneylauradenker@fairsharehousing.org, I am inspired by the persistent scrappiness of all my coworkers, from the ones working behind the scenes running the organization to those making headlines. Strategic Consulting in Employment, Disability and Civil Rights Matters. 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. 2009) (holding that His current project focuses on affordable housing and inclusionary zoning. The State of New York does not imply approval of the listed destinations, warrant the accuracy of any information set out in those destinations, or endorse any opinions expressed therein. 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 . 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. Our Work | Prior, she held positions at the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers, Drug Policy Alliance, the Maryland Governors Office of Crime Control & Prevention, and the Coalition for Juvenile Justice. They created lanes not only through voting rights, housing, and education, but also through the ability to advocate for my community.. She recently graduated from Yale Law School where she was a member of the Community and Economic Development Clinic, and chair of the Yale Urban Law and Policy Society. He joined the organization in 2015 as the Inaugural Maida Public Interest Fellow. Fair Housing Justice Center. Amy Nelson is the Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) having joined the FHCCI in October 2011. . Esm comes to Fair Share as a South Jersey native and a graduate of Rutgers Law School. Prior to joining FSHC, she worked for 15 years as a Property Manager in Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties. A member of the Democratic Party, Clinton became known as a New Democrat, as . Chhaya CDC: Associate Director of Programs, Asset Building & Small Business . The mission of the Fair Housing Justice Center (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. Paola is an Administrative Assistant at Fair Share Housing Center. The program also provides continuity to the Eliminating Barriers to Housing New York testing and outreach program launched by the New York Office of the Attorney General in partnership with Enterprise Community Partners. From 1999 2002, Fred directed the fieldwork in two national research projects conducted by the Urban Institute involving testing a study of mortgage lending practices and the national Housing Discrimination Study (HDS). New Jersey Housing Justice Corps Fellowesmedevenney@fairsharehousing.org, It is important to me to live in an equitable and democratic society, and that cannot be reached without economic freedom for everyone.. William Jefferson Clinton (n Blythe III; born August 19, 1946) is an American retired politician who served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Executive Director/General Counsel for the FHJC. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern University of Arizona in Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctorate degree from Vermont Law School. The FHJC conducted a testing investigation confirming the discrimination, and joined the couple in a lawsuit that led to a settlement. He previously served as governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981 and again from 1983 to 1992, and as attorney general of Arkansas from 1977 to 1979. Colavita lamented having to eliminate the housing preference. Several of the complaints were referred to the FHJC by the nonprofit advocacy group Unlock NYC. Leverage your professional network, and get hired. Mr. Tripp and Ms. Rosario continued searching for housing, avoiding predominately white neighborhoods for fear of encountering discrimination again, and eventually bought a home in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Driven by a lawsuit brought by Fair Housing Justice Center (FHJC) and two individual plaintiffs against the New York Department of Health (DOH) in 2018, the State of New York has issued new regulations that address decades of discrimination against people who use wheelchairs. She has a longstanding history of service as pro bono counsel in the areas of child advocacy, musical arts, and domestic violence. Rev. The story started on Nov. 21, 2016, when the Fair Housing Justice Center (FHJC) filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the Town of Eastchester, which is predominantly white, used residency preferences to suppress participation by people of color in the town's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and senior housing developments. Madhulika Murali, Legal Coordinator (she/hers) Resources | Staff of Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana Amy Nelson, Executive Director. 212.400.8201. Obama's HUD Secretary Julian Castro where she was a guiding . Britny McKenzie, Policy Manager (she/hers) He continues to be an advocate for civil rights and social justice. 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. 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. She joined the organization in 2010. Housing Opportunities Made Equal will introduce Elisabeth Risch as its new executive director at its annual fair-housing luncheon on April 13. . He has litigated at the New Jersey Supreme Court and Appellate Division and worked on state and federal policy issues including very-low-income housing in high opportunity communities, Low Income Housing Tax Credit allocation, and statewide fair share allocation. Director of Advocacy and Communications alexstaropoli@fairsharehousing.org, I firmly believe that housing justice is at the core of any fight for racial and economic equality, and its exciting to be at an organization working on multiple levelslocal, state, and federaltoreimagine and fight for thriving and healthy communities for all.. Eric is an ordained minister, and holds a B.A. "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. Administrative Assistantdonnagomez@fairsharehousing.org, My inspiration, and what I love the most about working at FSHC, is the people. In response to the wave of complaints all against the same company, FHJC launched an investigation into Finders business practices. Our Work | 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. Strengthen enforcement fair housing laws; The Fair Housing Justice Center, Inc. (FHJC) is a regional fair housing organization based in New York City. and M.S. Andrea Hayward, Investigative Coordinator (she/her) Logout; . 2d. Defendants discriminatory conduct violated multiple state, federal, and local statutes, and we were glad to be able help the clients attain a measure of justice and vindicate their rights, stated attorney Zack Zaharoff,who along with attorneys Blake Denton, Angela Dunay, Faust Petkovich, and Scott Kanchuger represented the plaintiffs. Josh is a Senior Staff Attorney at Fair Share Housing Center. Elizabeth began her career at the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, where she worked for twenty years, ultimately as Regional Attorney, running the litigation program in the New York District and as Senior Litigation Project Manager, where she had national responsibilities in support of the agencys systemic litigation program. Yes Lee Cheng, Co-founder of the Asian American Coalition for Education Lee Cheng is an attorney and community activist who has fought discrimination against Asian Americans for almost three decades. The complaint alleged discrimination based on race and religion. New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, Housing is an essential human right and we must continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that all New Yorkers have a fair and equal opportunity to live in the communities of their choice. Prior to joining FSHC, she served as Senior Policy Counsel for the New York City Commission on Human Rights. The case, Kaseim Tripp, et al. The Executive Director will oversee MFHC's programs and activities, lead the staff team, build Fair Housing Justice Center Easy 1-Click Apply. Fred was a founder and the first Executive Director of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council from 1977-1981. More details of the original complaint can be read HERE. He later attended Rutgers Law School. He joined the organization in 2012 following Hurricane Sandy. She joined the organization in 2022. Elizabeth joined the FHJC in 2021 as Executive Director. Charles Brass Fred was a founder and the first Executive Director of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council from 1977-1981. Today, the Fair Housing Justice Center . His interest in fair housing began during college while studying segregation, white ight, suburbanization, and the civil rights movement of the 20th century. Attorney Ramsey Chamie will be continuing his service as Treasurer. 9am - 12pm. Fair Housing Justice Center Executive Team & Key Decision Makers. Zoe is a person who uses drugs, a mom, a wife, and has led harm reduction programs in Maine for 15 years. 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.