This week, we’re talking with Emily Martin, our Communications & Outreach Specialist (and the face behind all of our social media)! Check out our Q&A below to learn more about Emily’s role at the Fair Housing Center.
What brought you to the Fair Housing Center?
I first discovered my interest in housing-related social justice work when I was a student at Baldwin Wallace University. Through various service trips and a social change fellowship, I had the opportunity to learn about injustices related to homelessness and housing insecurity, and I felt increasingly compelled to continue engaging in this work. I think I am drawn to fair housing work in particular because it’s so intersectional and necessary to address. If we want to solve other social issues, we need to be talking about housing justice.
I first connected with the Fair Housing Center while I was working as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, and served on two committees related to reentry and housing. I was immediately interested in the work that the Fair Housing Center does, and found this organization to be a great fit for my background and interests.
How long have you worked here?
I’ve worked here for about four months so far, and can already say that this is a great team to be a part of!
Can you briefly describe your role at the Fair Housing Center?
As Communications & Outreach Specialist, my responsibilities include managing the Fair Housing Center’s social media accounts and website, connecting the public with our work and the latest fair housing news through our e-newsletter and social media content, designing graphics and materials for the agency, and assisting with outreach activities.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My background is in digital media and graphic design, so I love having the ability to be creative in my job, while communicating the incredible work of the Fair Housing Center to the public. I also love working with people who share a similar passion for working to protect and defend civil rights for all people.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, you can usually find me spending time with my family and friends, making art, attempting to teach myself how to play the ukulele, or trying out coffee shops around Cleveland.
If you could choose one fair housing issue that you wish people knew more about, what would it be?
I know others have talked about this, too, but I think an issue that deserves attention is discrimination against people with criminal backgrounds. Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time working with people who have been involved in the criminal justice system, and learning about the many barriers faced by returning citizens. The criminal justice system disproportionately impacts people of color in our country, so when housing providers have unreasonable, arbitrary blanket bans against anyone with a criminal record, it is inevitably having a disparate impact on people of color and furthering racial segregation in our communities.
Stay tuned for more spotlights by following the hashtag #FacesOfFairHousing on Instagram and be sure to check back for weekly content on our blog.