Our March Nonprofit Spotlight is on the Fair Housing Center!
The Fair Housing Center’s mission is to end discrimination in housing and public accommodations and to promote accessible, integrated communities.
The Fair Housing Center of Southeast & Mid Michigan is a nonprofit civil rights organization that began in Ann Arbor in 1992. They enforce federal, state, and local fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and source of income. Now located in Ypsilanti with a satellite office in Lansing, they cover 10 counties but can help anyone who needs their services. Since its founding, the FHC has investigated more than 5,400 complaints and won over $3.6 million in settlements and awards for victims of discrimination. All of their services are free. If you think you have experienced housing discrimination or need help with disability accommodation, contact the Fair Housing Center.
Details
Events to support Fair Housing Center
Fair Housing Month May Mixer
May 8, 2025
The Fair Housing Center will host a Mixer event in May to honor its Fair Housing Month fundraising efforts. You don't have to fundraise to attend. Stay tuned for more details on their website or social media! Fair Housing Month information: https://donate.fhcmichigan.org/fairhousingmonth
Resources
FHC provides investigative services, testing, advice, advocacy, conciliation, attorney referrals, and community education.
If you believe you have been the victim of housing discrimination, or you would like to run a situation by them or ask questions, please email [email protected], call them at 877-979-3247, or fill out the form at https://fhcmichigan.org/get-help/
Please include a brief description of the situation or summary of the incident, along with your name and contact information. Everything you share with the FHC is kept confidential.
How to Support
Financial gifts are the best way to contribute to the FHC. They need to raise unrestricted funds to continue to uphold our country's vital and strong civil rights laws.
FHC also accepts donations of time (see below).
Becoming a Tester or Volunteer
FHC is always looking for people to become Testers!
To apply: Visit https://fhcmichigan.org/get-involved/tester/ or email their Director of Investigations, Jessica Farley, at [email protected] to get the application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; if they have questions or wish to set up an interview, they will contact you via email.
They also encourage volunteering to help with events (set up, tabling, photography, tear down, etc), hosting a house party fundraiser, or helping with outreach by spreading the word about their services by distributing print materials or online:
https://fhcmichigan.org/get-involved/employment-volunteer-opportunities/
Why Zing Loves FHC
We firmly believe that everyone has the right to fair and safe housing without discrimination. Along with our practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we also put a great emphasis on the concept of belonging. The idea that anyone would be told they don't belong in a house or apartment because of who they are, whether it be based on their race, color, religion, sex, orientation, age, or any other protected class, is simply unacceptable.
We're honored to support the work that FHC has been doing in our area for decades to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and lawfully, and to advocate for those who have faced discrimination.