Newsletter - Quarterly Edition - November 2015

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NEWSLETTER QUARTERLY EDITION | Issue 1 4 Flood Relief & Recovery Resources Recently, numerous parts of South Carolina experienced unprecedented flooding. For many, the aftermath has been tragic and heartbreaking. Recovery will be long and involve many layers. Here are some of the varied resources available: LEGAL ASSISTANCE: The SC Bar Association, its Young Lawyers Division, South Carolina Legal Services and the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division have partnered together to provide a FREE disaster relief legal aid hotline. This hotline is available for victims in the counties designated as flood disaster areas. Per the SC Bar: “Flood victims facing legal issues who are unable to afford a lawyer may call 1-877-797-2227 ext. 120 (toll-free) or (803) 576-3815 (local) between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, to hotline, callers should identify that they are seeking disaster-related legal assistance, brief details of the assistance needed and in which county they are located. Individuals who qualify for assistance will be matched with South Carolina lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal assistance. Flood victims may also request assistance online by e-mailing DisasterInfo@SCBar.org.” FEMA TIPS: When applying, FEMA advises to have the following information ready: - Social Security Number - Photo ID - Address of the damaged property - Proof of ownership (mortgage, deed, etc. . .) - Proof of occupancy (lease or utility bill) - Description of your damage - Your insurance coverage - Telephone number - Mailing address - Bank account and routing numbers FEMA CONTACT: www.disasterassistance.gov PHONE: 1 (800) 621-3362 TTY: 1 (800) 462-7585 TIPS TO AVOID FRAUD: - FEMA inspectors will have official badges - FEMA inspectors will confirm your disaster registration number - Numerous tips from the SC Department of Consumer Affairs may also be found here: http://www.consumer.sc.gov/consu mer/PressRelease/Documents/<strong>2015</strong>/ BewareofDisasterScams.pdf - The South Carolina Fair Housing Center may be utilized as a resource if individuals have complaints involving distribution of resources by calling: 1 (855) 665-8549 or by completing an online form, found here: http://scfhc.formmule.com/forms/su bmit-fair-housing-issue- DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS: Richland Main Library: 1431 Assembly Street Columbia, SC 29201 Lexington County Library 1500 Augusta Road West Columbia, SC 29169 Blaney Fire Dept. 2344 Hwy 1 South Eligin, SC 29045 request assistance. When connected to the John Ford Community Center 304 Agnes Street Saint Matthews, SC 29135 Sheriff Office 540 Wilson Rd. Newberry, SC 29108 Sumer County Civic Center 700 W. Liberty Street Sumter, SC 29150 Park and Recreation 4 Cedar Lane Bishopville, SC 29010 Clarendon County 7 Maple Street Manning, SC 29102 Lake City Pentecostal Holiness Church 620 S. Ron McNair Blvd. Lake City, SC 29560 For a full listing of ALL Disaster Recovery Centers across South Carolina, please visit: http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm or call 1 (800) 621-3362
NEWSLETTER QUARTERLY EDITION | Issue 1 5 The Importance of Fair Housing Testing We continue to seek qualified individuals to become fair housing testers, STATEWIDE. For applicants outside of the Midlands, trainings can be provided in your county. Courts have determined that testing is the best, and often only, form of assessing whether fair housing discrimination has occurred. So, testers fully engaged in the process are critical and key to fair housing enforcement and elimination of discriminatory behavior. “It is the rare case today where the defendant either admits his illegal conduct or where he sufficiently publicizes it so as to make testers unnecessary. For this reason, evidence gathered by testers may be the only competent evidence available to prove that the defendant has engaged in unlawful conduct.” Zuch v. Hussey, 394 F. Supp. 1028 (E.D. MI 1975) National Fair Housing Month Before we know it, April will be here, which is also National Fair Housing Month. Each year, we host several Fair Housing Month events. Through these events, we want to reach a diverse population of our communities. So, we value your input. Email: tbrown@ncrc.org to let us know what you would like to see during Fair Housing Month. Join our Email List! Send an email to tbrown@ncrc.org, subject line: “Email List” for updates, events, news, & more! FAST FACTS The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the legal theory of disparate impact under the federal Fair Housing Act. Click here for the center’s release on this decision: https://www.yumpu.com/s/Ksj3 fjyqv64tZLTF RECENT CASE ILLUSTRATION In New Orleans case, an African American couple went to apply for an apartment but were told that it was no longer available. The couple requested an application just in case something opened up, but they were denied. Feeling suspicious, the couple asked a Caucasian friend to apply. She was immediately told by the housing provider to come view the apartment. As a result, the couple filed a complaint with their local fair housing center. The fair housing center sent out testers over a series of time. Minority testers were treated differently and denied access to the units in stark contrast to the non-minority testers. Based largely on this fair housing testing, in addition to other forms of evidence, the fair housing center brought suit in federal court. This suit has resulted in a $172,000 settlement and agreement preventing one of the housing providers from working in the real estate industry in the future. For full details, please click here: http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2 015/11/metairie_landlords_ordered_to. html. TESTING BENEFITS - $25 upon successful completion of training seminar - $35, $50, or $80 per satisfactory completion of each assignment, stipend amount dependent upon type of assignment - Fighting for equal housing choice MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - Attend and complete a training seminar - Good writing and verbal skills - Criminal background check - Have a working, or able to get a working, email address - Ability to travel locally HOW TO APPLY: scfairhousingcenter@gmail.com Online: http://scfhc.formmule.com/forms/84 LLphVvetsqU1zW
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Newsletter - Quarterly Edition - November 2015

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