ASSET PROTECTION

Using Corporations and LLCs

Corporations have been used for a long time to protect assets. More recently LLCs have been the legal vehicle of choice, because they are simple to set up and inexpensive to maintain. We had our tax preparer set one up for us for $130, and it costs juts $10 annually to file the annual report online (which is just answering a few questions). You can also get the do-it-yourself kits at bookstores for about $30, and the filing fee in many states is $75 or less.

For asset protection, the idea with either an LLC or a corporation is that your liabilities are limited to the assets in that legal structure. So if you have an apartment building, you would have it alone in an LLC. That way if you are sued for something related to it and lose the case, the plaintiff can't come after any other assets, like your home, personal bank accounts or other LLCs. In other words, if you have many and varied assets they should be in several different corporations or LLCs to limit the damage.

By the way, an LLC can be the owner of another LLC. This and other techniques can be used to keep your ownership more private, if that is your goal. Ask an attorney who is familiar with this area of law.

Free Tech Support

Free Technical Support for Disabled People

There are Organisations around the UK which offer free technical support to disabled people.

IT Can Help

IT Can Help was founded in 1994 and are a network of volunteers who provide FREE computer support to disabled people. They visit people in their own homes and at other locations such as residential homes and day centres. In the past three years alone, volunteers have made 3,000 visits, solving many hardware and software problems and helping people to gain confidence using a computer. IT Can Help can help you in the following ways: Provide impartial advice on computer hardware and software Install new equipment and software Help you to get connected to the internet and use email

Be A Housing Discriminination Spy

WANTED
HOUSING DISCRIMINATION TESTERS

Earn Extra Cash!
Attend Project Sentinel's Tester Trainings

Call for info about our upcoming tester training. Trainings held regularly. This position is on-call and testers are given a stipend for their efforts.

Call (888) F-A-I-R-H-O-U-s-i-n-g
(888) 324-7468

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Housing Discrimination Tester

Project Sentinel is a non-profit agency that investigates allegations of housing discrimination. Project Sentinel’s primary method of fair housing investigation is testing, which involves sending individuals (testers) posing as prospective tenants to the site where discrimination is alleged.

Testers play a vital role in assuring equal housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, source of income, familial status and disability.

People of all profiles and backgrounds are encouraged to participate.

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Definition of Fair Housing Testing

Fair housing testing is a controlled method to determine differential treatment in the quality, content and quantity of information and services given to home seekers by real estate agents, leasing agents, property managers and owners.

A test is an authentic simulation of a housing transaction used to compare the treatment of one home seeker to another to determine if there are violations of fair housing laws. The technique of testing involves the pairing of individuals, similar in relevant respects except for the variable being tested (e.g., race, familial status, disability.)

After the conclusion of the contact or visit, the experiences of the two or more testers are compared to determine whether the alleged discrimination against the complainant exists.

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Qualifications

• Able to work on an "on call" basis
• Ability to get to the site
• Ability to complete the tester report forms in a thorough and timely manner

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Responsibilities

• Complete the fair housing tester training
• Conduct the assigned test
• Complete and return the tester report form in a timely manner

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Stipend

Stipend paid to testers for:

• Site visit
• Phone test
• Survey
• Project Sentinel pays tester for mileage

Become an Equal Rights Tester

Become a Tester

Testers are objective individuals who pose as prospective renters, home buyers, job applicants, loan applicants and more.  Testers take on various roles for the purpose of gathering information to ensure that individuals or companies are complying with the law and to identify unlawful discrimination.

To help you decide if you would like to become a tester please read the following Frequently Asked Questions.

What is testing? 

Testing is a controlled process designed to identify differences in treatment accorded to individuals who are similar in every significant respect except the variable being tested (i.e. race or number of children). Testing allows us to measure and document differences in the quality, content, and quantity of information and services. It is a legal process by which the nature and extent of illegal discrimination can be ascertained. This process can also be referred to as "auditors" or "secret shoppers."

What exactly will I be doing when I perform a test?

It depends on the type of test that you are doing.  In all tests you will take on characteristics of an assigned profile, which may differ from who you actually are.  For example, in housing testing, you may be asked to go and view an apartment or apartments at a particular housing provider.  After your experience we will ask you to write a factual, detailed and objective account of what transpired on your test.  In employment testing you may be asked to go on an interview with a particular employer.  No matter what type of test you are performing, the ERC will properly train and prepare you for the assignment. 

What is the time commitment?

Each test will vary.  Time can range from less than an hour to several hours. There is no set time.  Accepting test assignment is on a voluntary basis.  However, if you accept a test assignment it is crucial that you have time available to complete the test from start to finish.  Since the time required to complete each test varies, you should ask the test coordinator how long they can reasonably expect the test to be completed. 

The ERC makes no guarantee of you receiving assignments.  At times, there is substantial work for testers to perform. Testers availability, willingness to travel to certain locations at certain times, and timely completion of report forms and narrative accounts are all factors in the agency’s ability to provide assignments.

Will I get paid for my work?

Testers will be paid a flat rate for each test they complete plus approved expenses.  The rate to be paid may vary depending on the nature/type of test.  For example, a rental test will be paid at a flat rate of $60.  Specific testing rates will be established prior to you accepting and completing any assignment.  Testing hours vary per test type.

Why are you asking my race, gender, social security number, etc.?

We need your race, gender, etc. to properly match you for each specific test. We need your social security number to pay you and to run background checks.  You will never reveal your social security number on a test.  Your information is kept in the strictest of confidence.

To become a tester, you will have to fill out the tester pre-application form and the preliminary information form, attend required training sessions, successfully complete a practice test and provide reasonable availability for testing projects for which you are needed.
To apply to become an ERC tester, please complete the tester information sheet below, then send the completed forms and a resume to the Testing Manager, David Ambrose at dambrose@equalrightscenter.org. If you have any questions, contact David Ambrose at 202-234-3062 x1107. 

Tester Pre-Application form

Tester Preliminary Information form

Click here to read even more about the ERC's testing program. 

Ready to Rent or Buy a Home? How do I recognize discrimination just occured

How Do You Recognize Discrimination?

Housing discrimination is rarely blatant. It is usually cleverly disguised and,more often than not, is done with a smile and a handshake. Your fair housing rights are violated when you are prevented from doing the following because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status:

• Viewing or renting an apartment.
• Viewing or purchasing a home.
• Applying for or securing a home loan.
• Purchasing homeowners or renters insurance.

Be suspicious when you hear lines like these:

When you are renting...

• "I rented that apartment right after you called."
• "I'll show you the apartment after I see your green card."
• "This building is for adults only."
• "I don't really want all those changes - a ramp, grab bars; that's too much."
• "We can't have mentally retarded people living here. Who will take care of them? It will make the neighbors uncomfortable."

When you are buying...

• "Do you think you can afford this neighborhood?"
• "We just can't seem to make an appointment to show you that house."
• "I'll need to pre-qualify you before I show you homes."
• "The owner just took the house off the market."

When you are seeking financing...

• "There's a problem with the appraisal."
• "We have a minimum mortgage amount; we don't make loans under $30,000."
• "We'd like to make this loan, but we need at least 20% down payment."
• "You haven't been at your job long enough to qualify for a mortgage loan."
• "You might get a better deal at another bank. Why don't you call there first before you apply here?"

For more information on specific issues of discrimination, please select from the following categories:

• If You Have A Disability
• Children and Seniors
• Sexual Harassment
  
  

  Harassment Is A Crime!

  If you are being threatened, coerced, harassed, or intimidated because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status or because of the race of your relatives or visitors, call your local F.B.I. office and Police Department. Also report the problem to HUD and your state/local Fair Housing Agency.
  
  Harassment is a criminal violation of the Fair Housing Act.
  
  Fair Housing laws protect you - but only if you report unfair treatment.
  
  If you have already experienced housing discrimination, call and report it today. The next time you face delays or denials when you are trying to find housing, be suspicious and report the problem.

Entreprenuership, CONSUMER PROTECTION AND CREDIT COUNSELING RESOURCES

Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies PMB 62611350 Random Hills RoadSuite 800Fairfax, VA 22030Toll Free: (866)703-8787Direct: (703)934-6118Fax: (703)802-0207assoc@aiccca.orghttp://www.aiccca.orgThe Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) is a national membership organization, established to promote quality and consistent delivery of credit counseling services.

Better Business Bureau The Council of Better Business Bureaus 4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203-1838Direct: (703)276-0100Fax: (703)525-8277http://www.bbb.orgThe mission of the Better Business Bureau is "to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public." Visit this site to find contact information for your local BBB office.

Consumer Worldhttp://www.consumerworld.org/pages/agencies.htmComprehensive listing of consumer agencies throughout the world, including the Attorney General officers for each state.

Federal Citizen Information Center Consumer Action Handbook U.S. General Services Administration 1800 F Street NW, Room G142 Washington, DC 20405Direct: (202)501-1794http://www.consumeraction.govCity, county, and state consumer protection offices provide consumers with important services. They mediate complaints, conduct investigations, prosecute offenders of consumer laws, license and regulate a variety of professionals, promote strong consumer protection legislation, provide educational materials and advocate in the consumer interest. This website provides information about consumer problems and government services, including contact information for state, county, and city government consumer protection offices.

Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection Federal Trade CommissionConsumer Response Center600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20580Toll Free: (877)382-4357TTY: (866)653-4261http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/index.shtmlThis section of the FTC website offers practical information on a variety of consumer topics. The information here can help you avoid rip-offs and exercise your consumer rights.

National Foundation for Credit CounselingToll Free: (800)388-2227http://www.nfcc.orgNFCC member agencies are nonprofit, community-based organizations who provide counseling and educational services for managing debt. Visit the website to locate member agencies in your area, or to receive online counseling.

United States Consumer Gateway

http://www.consumer.gov
The U.S. Consumer Gateway is a "one-stop" link to a broad range of federal information resources available online.

Business Plans and Where to Start

"In its most general sense, business planning is all about taking your dream and turning it into reality. A business plan is the document you create when you take an idea for a commercial endeavor and work through all the factors that will have an impact on the successful startup, operation, and management of the business. Smart entrepreneurs plan, not because accountants or business advisors tell them to, but because they understand that it increases their chances for success. Sure, there are successful businesses whose owners fly by the seat of their pants and never create a written plan. But they succeeded despite the lack of a formal plan, not because of it. How much better might they have done had their good ideas been coupled with some solid planning?" CCH Business Owners Toolkit

Online Resources

The Abilities Fund - Business Planning Resources

BizPlanit.com

CCH Business Planner's Toolkit

Small Business Administration (SBA)/The Business Plan - Road Map to Success

Small Business Lending Corporation

Small Business Plan Guide

Sample Business Plans


You Belong in Connecticut - Department of Economic and Community Development Sample Business Plans

Montana Community Development Corporation/MCDC Online Business Success Kit

SBA - Sample Business Plans


Software

BPlans.com

BRS

Business Planning Freeware

Quicken Small Business Center

What is Trauma? Where Can I find Help?

Trauma:

• Physical trauma, an often serious and body-altering physical injury, such as the removal of a limb
  • Blunt trauma, a type of physical trauma caused by impact or other force applied from or with a blunt object
  • Penetrating trauma, a type of physical trauma in which the skin or tissues are pierced by an object
• Psychological trauma, an emotional or psychological injury, usually resulting from an extremely stressful or life-threatening situation
• Post-cult trauma, the intense emotional problems that some members of cults and new religious movements experience upon disaffection and disaffiliation

Links

The following links are provided for information and education purposes only. NCTIC does not expressly endorse any of the listed resources.

Government Agencies and Programs
Organizations with a Trauma Focus
Research Publications and Resources Addressing Trauma

Government Agencies and Programs

Center for Mental Health Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Center for Mental Health Services, National GAINS Center
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Co-Occurring Center for Excellence
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Disaster Technical Assistance Center
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Health Resources and Services Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Consumer Supporter Technical Assistance Center
Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Women’s Health Information Center
Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Office for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs

Office on Violence Against Women
U.S. Department of Justice

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Organizations with a Trauma Focus

Addiction and Trauma Recovery Integration Model (ATRIUM)

Anna Institute (f/k/a the Anna Foundation)

Community Connections

National Center on Family Homelessness

National Organization of State Mental Health Program Directors

Parents of Murdered Children

Sanctuary Leadership Development Institute

Seeking Safety

Sidran Institute

State Public Systems Coalition on Trauma (listserv managed by the Anna Institute)

Stop the Silence

Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute

University of Connecticut’s Research and Development Corporation - Trauma Affect Regulation: Guide for Education and Therapy (TARGET)

Witness Justice

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Research Publications and Resources Addressing Trauma

Adverse Childhood Experiences

American Journal of Psychiatry

Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research

Journal of Community Psychology

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology

Journal of the American Medical Association

Journal of Traumatic Stress

Psychiatric Services

The National Mental Health Information Center

National Hotlines, Referral Resources, and Support Services NCTIC does not provide direct assistance for consumers and survivors.  The following hotlines and referral resources are provided for informational  purposes only. NCTIC does not expressly endorse any of the listed resources. Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453) The mission of the Childhelp hotline is to provide help or answer questions  about child abuse or neglect 24 hours a day. FEMA Disaster Aid Hotline 800-621-FEMA This hotline is available to provide direct and financial assistance to  individuals, families, and businesses in an area whose property has been  damaged or destroyed by disaster. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678) The mission of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is to  help prevent child abduction and sexual exploitation; provide assistance with  finding missing children; and assist victims of child abduction and sexual  exploitation, their families, and the professionals who serve them 24 hours  a day. National Center for Victims of Crime 800-FYI-CALL (800-394-2255) The National Center for Victims of Crime provides information, education,  and referrals to local resources across the country. The hotline is available  Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm and is offered in numerous  languages. National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) and 800-787-3224 (TDD) The mission of the National Domestic Violence Hotline is to provide crisis  intervention, safety planning, information, and referrals for individuals  experiencing domestic violence. The hotline is available 24 hours a day  and assistance is offered in numerous languages. Mental Health America (f/k/a National Mental Health Association) 800-969-6MHA (6642) The mission of MHA is to promote mental wellness for the health and  well-being of the nation. MHA offers information and resources on numerous  mental health topics. National Organization for Victim Assistance 800-TRY-NOVA (800-879-6682) NOVA’s mission is to promote rights and services for victims of crime and  crisis. The hotline provides information and referrals and is available 24  hours a day. National Resource and Training Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness 617-467-6014 The Center is focused on the effective organization and delivery of services  for people who are homeless and who have serious mental illnesses by  providing technical assistance and training. National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) This hotline is operated by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network  (RAINN), which also carries out programs to help prevent sexual assault,  assist victims, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) This suicide prevention service is available to anyone in suicidal crisis and  is available 24/7. National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 866-331-9474 and 866-331-8453 (TTY) This hotline was created to help teens ages 13-18 that experience dating  abuse and it is available 24/7. OVC Victim and Family Assistance Call Center 800-331-0075 The U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime offers links to  state victim assistance and compensation programs that are VOCA funded.  The OVC Victim and Family Assistance Call Center is available to victims  and family members of violence and terrorism and provides information and  assistance, including referrals for housing, financial assistance, and mental  health counseling. Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health 800-628-1696 The Center is dedicated to promoting effective community-based, culturally  competent, family-centered services for families and their children who are  or may be affected by mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 800-729-6686 The Clearinghouse is a one-stop resource for information about substance  abuse prevention and addiction treatment. SAMHSA’s Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator 800-662-HELP (4357); 800-487-4889 (TDD); 877-767-8432 (Espanol) A searchable directory of drug and alcohol treatment programs that shows  the location of facilities around the country that treat alcoholism, alcohol  abuse, and drug abuse problems. Witness Justice 800-4WJ-HELP (800-495-4357) Witness Justice is a national grassroots organization that provides assistance,  support, and advocacy for survivors of violence and trauma.

Resources:

The following list is a basic guide to organizations that can help protect your rights. For more information on any of these issues and other aspects of mental illness, call SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center (NMHIC).

SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center
P.O. Box 42557
Washington, DC 20015
Telephone: 800-789-2647
Fax: 240-747-5470
(TDD): 866-889-2647
E-mail: nmhic-info@samhsa.hhs.gov
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov

American Bar Association
Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law
740 15th Street NW, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Telephone: 202-662-1570
Fax: 202-662-1032
E-mail: cmpdl@abanet.org
www.abanet.org/disability

American Civil Liberties Union
of the National Capital Area
1400 20th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: 202-457-0800
www.aclu.org

Disability Rights Section
Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20530
Telephone: 800-514-0301
Fax: 202-307-1198
(TDD): 800-514-0383
www.usdoj.gov/crt/drssec.htm

Judge Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
1101 15th Street NW, Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005-5002
Telephone: 202-467-5730
Fax: 202-223-0409
www.bazelon.org

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-3042
Telephone: 800-950-6264
Fax: 703-524-9094
www.nami.org

National Disability Rights Network
900 2nd Street NE, Suite 211
Washington, DC 20002
Telephone: 202-408-9514
Fax: 202-408-9520
(TDD): 202-408-9521
http://www.ndrn.org/

National Empowerment Center
599 Canal Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Telephone: 800-769-3728
Fax: 978-681-6426
www.power2u.org

National Mental Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street - 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Telephone: 800-969-NMHA (6642)
Fax: 703-684-5968
www.nmha.org

National Mental Health Consumer's Self-Help Clearinghouse
1211 Chestnut Street, Suite 1207
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Telephone: 800-553-4539
Fax: 215-636-6312
E-mail: info@mhselfhelp.org
www.mhselfhelp.org

National Rehabilitation Information Center
4200 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 202
Lanham, MD 20706
Telephone: 800-346-2742 or 301-459-5900
E-mail: naricinfo@heitechservices.com
www.naric.com

Do I have a right to privacy?

Mental health providers agree to keep your meetings and what you discuss confidential. This means that what you say-as well as your diagnosis and treatment-cannot be disclosed to anyone, including family members, without your written consent.

What about managed care rights?

Many organizations have developed bills of rights for people with severe mental illnesses who are treated in a managed care setting. The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) has developed principles for managed care treatment. CMHS recommends that providers, managed care firms, and consumers consider these principles in their decision-making process. Most managed care firms have a process for grievances and appeals. Participants may appeal a treatment decision, question payment decisions, or file complaints about providers and facilities.

Can I refuse treatment?

People generally have the right to consent to or refuse treatment. However, under certain conditions-such as when a person is considered a danger to self or others-he or she may be required to seek or receive treatment. This can include involuntary civil commitment, which can be for either outpatient or inpatient treatment, as well as forced medication. Laws about commitment vary by State. If you have questions about the commitment process in your State, contact your State P&A program or consumer or family organization.

What is 'informed consent'?

Informed consent refers to when a patient agrees to undergo or participate in a medical or surgical procedure, treatment, or study after learning what is involved. Informed consent requires that a person know and fully understand the risks and benefits of a certain treatment or procedure.

What is an advance directive?

If you frequently seek and use mental health services, you may want to establish an advance directive. There are two general types of advance directives: instructional, such as living wills, and proxy, such as durable power of attorney. Each directive is a legal document that lets you describe what services you want to receive if an illness renders you unable to make decisions about your care. Give a copy of the directive to your usual service provider(s) so that it can become part of your medical record. Laws about advance directives vary from State to State. Work with a lawyer, paralegal, or advocate to write your advance directive.

What are State Protection and Advocacy programs?

Each State, as well as the District of Columbia and the five Territories, has a Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) program. PAIMI programs safeguard the rights of people with mental illness. Where problems are found, PAIMI programs pursue legal, administrative, and other remedies to ensure protection of rights for people with severe mental illness. People with disabilities who are not eligible for PAIMI services may be eligible for other programs within the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system, such as the Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR) program or the Client Assistance Program (CAP).

What does the Americans with Disabilities Act do?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that people with disabilities, such as severe mental illness, have legal protection against discrimination in the workplace, housing and residential settings (including treatment facilities such as hospitals), public programs, and telecommunications. The ADA's goal is to give the 54 million Americans with disabilities full and equal opportunities (President Bush's New Freedom Initiative, 2002)./

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)

a government wide compendium of Federal programs, projects, services, and activities which provide assistance or benefits to the American public. It contains financial and non financial assistance programs administered by departments and establishments of the Federal government.
In addition to the hard copy Catalog data, program information is available on machine-readable magnetic tape, high density floppy diskettes, and CD-Rom. This information is also available on tape, diskettes, or CD-ROM and may be purchased from GSA.

Contact:
Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Staff (MVS),
General Services Administration,
300 7th Street, S.W., Suite 101,
Washington, DC 20407.
(202) 708-5126