West Georgia Realtors announce Douglas County Fair Housing exhibit, call for volunteers and $40,000 in sponsorships

Douglas County Commissioner Henry Mitchell III hosted a District Dialogue segment where leaders of the West Georgia Board of Realtors announced an immersive Fair Housing exhibit and urged residents to volunteer and donate to support the program.

Valerie Rivera, president of the West Georgia Board of Realtors, said the exhibit will open with a grand ceremony on March 10 and run through April 25 at the former Boys and Girls Club on Gurley Road. "We want everyone to take part in this, even if you feel like it doesn't apply to you," Rivera said. Organizers said hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with 10 a.m.–2 p.m. reserved for school field trips and 2 p.m.–6 p.m. open to the general public.

Amy McCoy, government affairs chair for the West Georgia Board of Realtors and a 21‑year broker, described the exhibit as an "immersive learning experience" with pre‑ and post‑visit curriculum packets for teachers and materials designed for students from second grade through high school. McCoy said she contacted the Douglas County School Board to align the exhibit with Georgia standards and that packets were shared with other area school boards.

The organizers framed the exhibit as part of Fair Housing Month and linked it to the federal Fair Housing Act, enacted in 1968. "Fair housing is essential for every community to thrive," McCoy said, noting the law helps shape access to banking, schools and other community resources.

Rivera and McCoy also used the program to explain how residents can report suspected housing discrimination. Rivera directed listeners to HUD's website, hud.gov, and encouraged filing a complaint by phone or online even if a resident is unsure whether discrimination occurred. McCoy added that the Georgia Real Estate Commission is another resource for issues involving licensed practitioners.

Organizers are seeking financial support to expand interactive elements and offer branded sponsorship opportunities. Rivera said the group has set a fundraising goal of $40,000. "We do need your funds," she said, adding that donors and volunteers can sign up at westgeorgiaboard.org/fairhousing. McCoy provided a contact number for fair housing inquiries: (404) 933-8842.

Commissioner Mitchell closed the program by thanking the West Georgia Board of Realtors for the outreach and encouraging the public to attend and support the exhibit.

The exhibit organizers said the opening will be March 10 and the public exhibit will run through April 25; organizers invited schools, businesses and residents to register through the West Georgia Board of Realtors website for tours, volunteer duties and sponsorship information.