This week, we’re spotlighting our Investigations Coordinator, Liam McSweeney. Liam supports the work of our organization by assisting the Enforcement team, working directly with clients to help resolve the issues they are facing. Take a look at our interview with Liam to learn more!
What brought you to the Fair Housing Center?
I moved to Cleveland in late 2017 from New York City and was immediately struck by the housing segregation that divides the city. I had friends who grew up on the East side who told me they had been to the West side two, maybe three times in their entire lives. There was so much to love about this city, but it seemed to me that the intense division of the East side/West side boundary presented the biggest challenge in advancing Cleveland culturally, socially and economically. I was interning at the Cleveland Tenant’s Organization and had recently read the book Evicted by Matthew Desmond, both of which made a huge impression on me. I came to believe that inequities in housing were the main driver of racism and poverty in America. I was thrilled to have an opportunity to work at the Fair Housing Center, the organization in Cleveland most dedicated to addressing these challenges head on.
How long have you worked here?
Since January 2018.
Can you briefly describe your role at the Fair Housing Center?
I am the Investigations Coordinator. I work with the rest of the Enforcement team on client intakes, screening calls for possible fair housing issues, and providing referrals to community resources. I support clients facing fair housing issues by providing information on their rights and by conducting preliminary investigations into complaints. I also assist with outreach events and help the rest of the Enforcement team in addressing emerging issues in fair housing, such as source of income and criminal background discrimination.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love interacting with our clients. Being able to speak one-on-one with those who are dealing with housing discrimination keeps me grounded, empathetic and focused on the real issues. It helps me see that the work of the Fair Housing Center benefits everyone. Our city is improved for all Clevelanders, not just the disadvantaged, when we have more integrated communities and a fairer housing market.
What do you like to do in your free time?
One of my favorite activities in Cleveland is simply to sit by the lake and read or work on my poetry. I’m an obsessive follower of hip-hop, pop and indie music as well as film. Most of the time however, I try to connect my work to the rest of life, engaging in social justice activism across the city. Catch me at Calalloo Café or Djapo dance class.
If you could choose one fair housing issue that you wish people knew more about, what would it be?
Criminal background discrimination. It can be nearly impossible for the formerly incarcerated to find housing after release. Many management companies have strict rules prohibiting those who have been incarcerated no matter how long ago the offense occurred and without considering the character of the tenant or what they have done since. The reality for the formerly incarcerated is that their sentence lasts long past the day they walk out the prison doors. Of course, due to racial discrimination in our criminal justice system, this has a hugely disproportionate effect on black and brown communities. Our office seeks to educate housing providers on how they can more fairly evaluate tenants with a criminal background to give everyone a fair shot at housing and build stronger 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.