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What we do

Housing Justice

It is one of the most basic of human rights, and yet fair housing remains a major issue for our clients.

From its inception in the 1970s, our housing justice advocacy has been at the forefront of some of the most significant cases regarding race and national origin discrimination, including cases involving racial violence and hate groups.

Over the years, our work has expanded into new and emerging areas, working with community partners to protect the right of low-income residents to live in thriving communities, and have housing choice and mobility.

We combat discrimination against families who use housing subsidies, discrimination on the basis of old eviction or conviction records, policies targeting families with children, predatory lending, redlining, discriminatory real estate advertising, insurance discrimination, and exclusionary zoning and other discriminatory practices by municipalities. In addition, we work with tenants to fight uninhabitable housing conditions to combat displacement and housing instability.

Know Your Rights

Your Rights to Organize in DC

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Your Rights to Organize in HUD-Assisted Housing

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contact us

Learn more about joining the fight for housing rights by contacting us at [email protected].

Public Policy
Reports
Case Study
Housing Barriers

In 2021, Park 7 Tenant Union sued their property management company for obstructing the tenants’ efforts to organize and protest the deteriorating housing conditions in their apartment building. With representation from the Washington Lawyers’ Committee and Cohen Millstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, the tenant union won.

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“Dr. King said, ‘the moral arc of the universe bends toward justice.’ But only when people pull it toward justice. The Washington Lawyers’ Committee is doing the pulling, and our city and the nation are better for it.”
Eric Holder, former Attorney General of the United States

MATCH EXTENDED: Double your impact for justice and equity!

For a limited time, our Board of Directors will match all donations, one-to-one, up to a campaign total of $91,200. Your gift will have two times the impact, supporting our work advancing justice and equity work.

Give now, and your tax-deductible gift will be matched. Every donor, every dollar counts. This offer expires on Dec. 31, so don't miss this incredible opportunity.

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