OVERVIEW:
The Fair Housing Enforcement Program at the Legal Aid Society of Hawai`i is seeking volunteers to assist our organization in creating a community where all people have an equal right to obtain and enjoy housing without facing illegal discrimination.
VOLUNTEER'S ROLE:
While blatant acts of housing discrimination do occur, discrimination is, more often, subtle and hard of detect. Unfortunately, even the most subtle acts of discrimination result in the same wide-scale unfairness and segregation of communities. The most effective tool used to detect housing discrimination is Testing, a process where volunteers (known as Testers) pose as home-seekers in a variety of housing situations and record their experiences.
Testers have the opportunity to positively impact our local community by helping to investigate fair housing practices. Hours are very flexible, and due to the COVID-19 crisis all volunteer work is currently being done remotely.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 18 years old
- Detail oriented
- Able to write objective and factual reports
- Reliable, and responsive to calls and emails
- Positive attitude and willingness to communicate with Legal Aid staff as well as housing providers
- Ability to speak another language in addition to English is a bonus, but not required
*Unfortunately, those with an active real estate license or legal practice are NOT eligible
APPLICATION: http://www.fairhousinghawaii.org/attend-tester-training.html
If you are interested please fill out the application above and we will reach out if your application meets the program requirements. Before you can begin volunteering there will be a phone screening to ensure you are eligible, a brief 2-hour virtual training, and a criminal background check.
Questions:
If you have any questions please contact the Fair Housing Investigations Coordinator at 808-670-0186.
