HOME's Equal Housing Victories
Click here for HOME's interactive timeline outlining the Civil Rights Movement

2006 Tim KaineHOME celebrates 35th Anniversary
Governor Tim Kaine keynote speaker.
Watch Excerpts of the Address.
Launches new initiatives to achieve (7 Stepping Stones to Equality)
2005 Click Here to Read Full ArticleMatthews Case Victory
Judge John F. Daffron Jr. rules in favor of HOME and the victim in the case. The New York Times and other significant national media outlets cover the story, raising significant awareness of the odious and continuing presence of discriminatory covenants in many deeds.
2003 I can't sell you this house 'cause you're colored."I can't sell you this house 'cause you're colored."
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) files a fair housing complaint alleging discrimination based on race against a homeowner in Chesterfield County who refused to sell a house to an African-American woman. After being turned down by the owner, the purchaser came to HOME, which conducted an investigation, sending out first an African-American and then a white tester to see the house and ask about availability. Mr. Matthews also told the African-American tester that there was a deed restriction on the house that would allow him to sell it to a Mexican or a Chinese, but prevented him from selling it to "a regular colored person".
2001 HOME's Education programs account for significant increases in homeownershipHOME's Education programs account for significant increases in homeownership
HOME's education programs pay significant dividends. According to the U.S. Census, in the decade between 1990 and 2000, the number of African American families owning their own homes in the City of Richmond increased by 683. During that same time, HOME helped 560 African American households buy their own homes in the City of Richmond, with pre-purchase counseling and downpayment assistance. That represents 88% of the increase.
2000 Click Here to Read Full ArticleHOME impacts national availability of quality homeowners' insurance for all people
HOME settles precedent-setting lawsuit against Nationwide Insurance Company, makes quality homeowners' insurance available in urban areas throughout the country. Begins using settlement funds to provide fair housing, rental, mortgage default and pre-purchase services to families with housing problems and needs. HOME and five other fair housing groups around the country file and settle lawsuit against Citicorp/Travelers alleging red-lining of urban areas in the provision of homeowners' insurance.
1998 Click Here to Read Full ArticleHOME continues battle against redlining in home insurance and housing discrimination
HOME and three other fair housing groups file homeowners' insurance redlining lawsuit against Liberty Mutual, settlement reached with Liberty to support homeownership-related activities to increase homeownership and improve conditions in urban neighborhoods. As a result of a complaint alleging discrimination against African-Americans brought by HOME and handled by the U.S. Department of Justice, Wedgewood Village, a subsidized apartment complex, settles for $480,000, including a victim's fund.
1996 Click Here to Read Full ArticleHOME files lawsuit against Nationwide Insurance,
alleging redlining of African-American neighborhoods in the City of Richmond, Virginia. Virginia's housing agencies recognize HOME for its "comprehensive programs and powerful advocacy."
1995 Insurance redlining combated by HOME
With support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HOME begins investigation into insurance industry redlining.
1991 HOME wins key state legislative fair housing battle
Circuit Court judge says HOME does not have standing in fair housing case; HOME goes to General Assembly which adds "fair housing organizations" to list of those that can bring fair housing cases.
1989 HOME helps innovate to break the cycle of poverty
The Virginia General Assembly establishes the Homeless Intervention Program to provide temporary financial assistance and counseling to needy families. HOME is among the first program administrators chosen, develops formal counseling model and trains HIP counselors statewide.
1988 HOME helps found National Fair Housing Alliance
HOME a key supporter of launching the alliance to strengthen the fair housing movement nationwide.
1982 Click Here to Read Full ArticleHOME wins U.S. Supreme Court victory
U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upholds HOME in a fair housing case known as Havens v. Coleman; sets national precedent expanding fair housing enforcement nationwide.
1971 Click Here to Read Full ArticleHOME founded
Fair housing investigations and enforcement begin.