At Greater Chattanooga Realtors, our commitment to fair housing is not just a once-a-year acknowledgment - it's a dedication we uphold every day. As we reflect on the importance of equitable access to housing, Fair Housing Month serves as a powerful reminder of the progress we've made and the work that still lies ahead. From supporting inclusive communities, to educating our members, we remain steadfast in our advocacy for housing opportunities for all.
This year, we're marking Fair Housing Month with a series of impactful events and resources.
- April 1, Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing.
This program arms real estate professionals with strategies to counter stereotypical thinking, ensuring fair service to all clients. Participants assess their perceptions of diverse groups, uncover unconscious biases and develop skills for engaging effectively with all clientele.
- April 11, At Home With Diversity (AHWD). This certification course provides realtors with the knowledge and skills to effectively serve diverse clients and navigate today's multicultural marketplace.
- April 17, Fair Housing Event & Member Breakfast: Chattanooga: A Place for ALL to Call Home. Realtors are invited to register for this member breakfast as we celebrate Fair Housing Month with the City of Chattanooga's Housing Team:
• Nicole Heyman, chief housing officer;
• Megan Miles, director of housing policy; and
• Hanneke van Deursen, director of housing finance.
They will explore Chattanooga's housing landscape and share the City's bold steps to expand housing access for all Chattanoogans, covering topics such as:
• Insight into Chattanooga's affordable housing needs;
• Recent reforms removing development barriers; and
• An overview of the city's expanded housing toolkit, including Down Payment Assistance, Affordable Housing PILOT Program, New Zoning Code, Voluntary Incentives Program, Invest Chattanooga and the Land Bank Property Donation Program.
- April 21, Join NAR's 2024 Vice President of Advocacy Nate Johnson for Creating Housing Opportunities & Big Tent Diversity & Fair Housing. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives and strategies addressing housing affordability issues. Participants will leave prepared to take the next steps toward implementing equitable and sustainable housing strategies in their communities. He will also explore Federal Fair Housing Laws, including protected classes, recent issues, and the distinction between explicit and implicit bias. Discover strategies to embrace diversity in real estate and foster inclusive communities.
- April 22, The 'Do's and Don'ts' of Serving Clients with Special Needs with John Young An estimated 1.3 billion people – 16 percent of the global population – experience a significant disability today. Now more than ever, it is important for real estate professionals to learn proper standards of practice when serving clients with disabilities. Gain insight into accessibility, inclusion, compassion and equity for all individuals.
Fair Housing Month reminds us that equal opportunity in housing is not just a legal obligation, but a moral responsibility. As realtors, we play a pivotal role in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity, have access to safe and affordable housing. Together, we can continue to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to find a place to call home.
For more resources and information on Fair Housing Month events, visit our website at www.gcar.net. #ThatsWhoWeR