HOME WINS GOVERNOR’S AWARD
Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia,
Inc. has received the Best Housing Organization Award as presented by
Gov. Tim Kaine at the 2006 Governor’s Housing Conference in Norfolk
on November 30th.
Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia, Inc. (HOME) occupies a
unique place among those organizations dedicated to improving housing
conditions in Virginia. HOME does not build houses: it invests in people
and works to change the systems and practices that limit housing choice.
HOME works to end the conditions that limit housing choice and access.
Founded in 1971, HOME has helped address discriminatory practices through
education, training & technical assistance, and legal action. As
a national leader in fair housing, HOME helps train other fair housing
organizations as well as local, state, and federal agencies. HOME works
cooperatively with the housing industry to help make their products
more widely available and to achieve fair housing.
In 1982 the United States Supreme Court unanimously upheld a HOME case
involving racial steering , providing precedent for other successful
challenges to discriminatory practices nationwide. HOME continues to
lead the way in challenging housing discrimination in its many forms.
HOME also provides services to assist people overcome other obstacles
to housing access, such as poor credit, access to financing, and access
to financial counseling. By working to sort out financial problems,
identify solutions and help renegotiate loan modifications, more than
70 percent of homeowners who are in default and seek HOME’s help
are able to avoid foreclosure.
Housing for people with disabilities can be particularly challenging.
HOME provides assistance to group home providers who encounter difficulties
in locating these critically needed facilities.
Credit abuse and predatory mortgage practices can quickly undermine
a person’s financial stability. HOME has provided leadership in
this arena by helping to identify predatory practices and carrying out
education campaigns to alert the public about these perils. HOME also
helps victims of credit abuse and predatory lending re-negotiate loans
and escape the terms of these dubious financial arrangements.
HOME is recognized for its ongoing leadership in advancing changes in
equal housing. All Virginia citizens benefit from these accomplishments,
and the repercussions of HOME’s efforts are a valuable legacy
for future generations as well.
