More than 50 years after the passage of the Fair Housing Act, over 4 million acts of housing discrimination still occur each year, yet many people are unaware that it happens at all. That’s why we’ve put together a series of videos to shed light on the housing issues facing Northeast Ohioans, and to amplify the stories of those who have experienced the devastating effects of housing discrimination firsthand.
Listen to the stories below to learn more about how housing discrimination is impacting our communities and how important fair housing is. Help us to share these voices and spread the word that fair housing is a civil right — and The Fair Housing Center is here to keep it that way.
VOICES OF FAIR HOUSING
We’ve put together a series of videos to shed light on the housing issues facing Northeast Ohioans, and to amplify the stories of those who have experienced the devastating effects of housing discrimination firsthand.
KARYN’S STORY – “NO KIDS ALLOWED”
When Karyn was looking for a home, she faced discrimination from a landlord who refused to rent to people with kids. Karyn knew her rights and contacted The Fair Housing Center for help. Now, she’s sharing her story to help others facing discrimination.
WHAT IS FAIR HOUSING?
The Fair Housing Act ensures your right to fair and equitable housing. Watch this video to learn more about how the Fair Housing Center for Rights & Research works to protect that right.
WILLIE’S STORY – PART 1
Willie shares his experience with discrimination and his struggle to find housing.
WILLIE’S STORY – PART 2
In Part 2 of Willie’s Story, find out how Willie struggled not only with voucher discrimination, but with racism, too.
HOW CAN WE BE SO DIFFERENT?
Carrie Pleasants, Executive Director of The Fair Housing Center, shares a childhood experience that had a significant impact on her life and her to choice to go into fair housing work.
MARCUS’ STORY
Despite having been out of prison for over 16 years and turning his life around, Marcus struggled to find housing due to the unreasonable lookback periods associated with landlords’ criminal background screenings. Luckily, Marcus sought out help from The Fair Housing Center and was able to get into stable housing. Now, Marcus is sharing his story to help others facing discrimination.
CHANGING HEARTS AND MINDS
Our Director of Education & Outreach, Darlene English, shares our main goal when connecting with landlords and community members — changing hearts and minds.
HELPING LANDLORDS
We want to help landlords understand their rights and responsibilities under fair housing law. The Fair Housing Center offers fair housing seminars throughout the year and is a resource, not only for tenants, but for landlords as well.
BENJAMIN’S STORY – FINDING ACCESSIBLE HOUSING
Benjamin needed to find accessible housing that met his needs, but his housing provider refused to allow him out of his lease. Fortunately, First Call for Help (211) connected Benjamin with The Fair Housing Center, and we helped him get into housing that met his needs.
GETTING HELP WITH FAIR HOUSING ISSUES
If you or someone you know is struggling with housing discrimination, we are here to help. Share this video to spread the word that The Fair Housing Center is here to protect your right to fair housing.
IT’S NOT JUST HOUSING
This issue is not just housing. Housing discrimination affects every aspect of a person’s life, and the right to fair housing is about so much more than “just” housing.
BASIC NEEDS
Housing discrimination is denial of the most basic of needs for a human being. Where we live affects the type of education we receive, job opportunities, resources, healthcare, and even life expectancy. Without safe, secure, equitable housing, everything else falls apart.