Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council

The Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council (MMFHC) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting fair housing throughout the state of Wisconsin. Founded in 1977, MMFHC has been instrumental in combating discrimination in housing and fostering racially and economically integrated communities.

Mission and Purpose

The primary mission of MMFHC is to ensure equal opportunities in housing by combating illegal housing discrimination and promoting integrated housing patterns. This is achieved through various programs and services that include case intake and counseling, investigative services, outreach and education, professional support to government agencies, and fair lending and inclusive communities programs.

Programs and Services

• Case Intake and Counseling: MMFHC provides support to individuals facing housing discrimination by taking in complaints, offering counseling, and facilitating investigations.
• Investigative Services: The organization conducts investigations using paired testing techniques to identify instances of discrimination. This method involves matching pairs of individuals, often differing by race or other protected classes, to apply for housing or related services and determine if providers comply with fair housing laws.
• Outreach and Education: MMFHC conducts educational programs for consumer groups, academic settings, and the general public. It also collaborates with law enforcement agencies, social service organizations, and the housing industry to provide technical assistance.
• Fair Lending and Inclusive Communities: Efforts focus on creating more affordable housing options and expanding housing choices through initiatives like housing trust funds and community development projects.

Protected Classes

MMFHC addresses discrimination based on federal and state protected classes, which include:

• Federal Fair Housing Act: Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.
• Wisconsin State Law: Adds protections for age, marital status, lawful source of income, sexual orientation, and domestic abuse victimization. Local ordinances may include additional classes like military discharge status, student status, gender identity, citizenship status, and tenant union association.

Impact and History

Since its inception, MMFHC has been an effective advocate for fair housing, filing over 650 lawsuits with a high success rate. It has recovered over $8.2 million in its enforcement actions. The organization has played a pivotal role in national fair housing movements, with its former President and CEO, William Tisdale, serving as the founding board president of the National Fair Housing Alliance.

Financial Overview

As a registered non-profit organization, MMFHC relies significantly on contributions for its revenue. In recent years, its financial operations have focused on maintaining a strong asset base while managing expenses primarily allocated towards salaries, wages, and executive compensation.

Leadership and Partnerships

MMFHC collaborates with various community organizations and government agencies to achieve its goals. The organization has been recognized for its expertise, providing training and testimony to legislative committees at multiple levels of government.