The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR) is launching its “Fair Housing Challenge” initiative in observance of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development”™s (HUD) “National Fair Housing Month” for April. HUD”™s campaign includes efforts to end housing discrimination and raise awareness for fair housing rights in communities throughout the nation.
HGAR”™s Fair Housing Challenge has been distributed to its 13,000 REALTOR® members stretching from Manhattan to Orange County and consists of three segments: a simulated exercise in fair housing, an Implicit Bias Training video and an “At Home with Diversity” online certification course. “As an Association, we are committed to ensuring that all of our members practice fair housing in all of their transactions,” said Crystal Hawkins-Syska, HGAR president. “In fact, our theme this year is ”˜the American Promise,”™ which represents our dedication to helping all people realize the American dream of home ownership.”
The Implicit Bias Training video helps REALTORS® understand how our unconscious brains categorize information and stereotypes and offers practical tools to override hidden biases. The workshop offers many “de-biasing” practices that not only help to reduce bias, but also improve relationships with people.
The “At Home with Diversity” (AHWD) certification course teaches REALTORS® how to work effectively with diverse populations and build business success in today”™s multicultural real estate market.
“Our Association has always believed in educating our REALTORS® about the vital importance of fair housing and we remain committed to upholding the principles of the Fair Housing Act,” said Richard Haggerty, HGAR CEO.
