Fair Housing Center of West Michigan

Mission: To prevent and eliminate illegal housing discrimination and to ensure equal housing opportunity.

The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan (FHCWM) is a nonprofit organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, dedicated to ensuring equal access to housing opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, or any other protected class. Founded in 1992, FHCWM was established to address housing discrimination and promote fair housing practices throughout the region.

FHCWM works to eliminate housing discrimination, promote fair housing practices, and provide education and advocacy to individuals and communities. The organization works to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equal access to housing opportunities and that discriminatory practices are challenged and eliminated.

We currently serve 12 counties in western Michigan: Allegan, Grand Traverse, Ionia, Isabella, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola and Ottawa.

The center offers key services to promote fair housing and equity:

• Housing Counseling: Guidance for individuals experiencing housing discrimination or navigating the housing process, with resources for tenants, homeowners, and prospective buyers.
• Fair Housing Testing: Investigating discriminatory practices by landlords, real estate agents, and lenders to identify violations of fair housing laws.
• Education and Outreach: Raising awareness through public programs, training for professionals, and advocacy for housing equity policies.
• Legal Services: Providing legal support to individuals facing housing discrimination to ensure accountability and fair treatment.