WHY NOT PLAY A ROLE IN HELPING TO END HOUSING DISCRIMINATION?
You can help make fair housing a reality by becoming a fair housing “tester.” As a fair housing tester you will visit many interesting homes and apartment complexes, and may have an opportunity to serve as a key witness in a court case. More importantly, you become a key part of the Savannah-Chatham County Fair Housing Council, Inc. (SCFHC) efforts to end discrimination in housing.
WHY IS TESTING NEEDED?
The U.S. Supreme Court has referred to testing as the only legitimate method available to identify practices of unlawful housing discrimination. Most complaints of housing discrimination are readily resolved based on the testing evidence provided by SCFHC.
WHAT IS TESTING?
Testing is a way of measuring differences in the quality, quantity and content of information and service given to home seekers by housing providers as part of their normal business practices. Teams of persons, similar in all characteristics except the variable being tested pose as home seekers. The team members visit the same rental or sales office and take careful notes of what transpires.
WHAT IS A TESTER?
A tester is a person that plays the role of a bona fide home seeker– a person who is looking for a place to live. Testers receive extensive training to prepare them to be “objective fact finders.” They do not form any personal opinions to influence the investigation. Testers are persons that come from all walks of life. Most importantly, they are careful observers, accurate reporters and truthful witnesses.
If you would like to help end housing discrimination by becoming a fair housing tester, call Wayne Dawson, Executive Director at the Savannah-Chatham County Fair Housing Council, Inc. at 912.651.3136.