HOME realizes that awareness is the key to people understanding their rights.
Take a look at some of the places we have appeared in the media recently.
October 11, 2023
2020
February 4, 2020
First lawsuits filed under Erie County Fair Housing Law allege widespread income discrimination
2019
July 24, 2019
‘American dream’ still comes in black and white
May 14, 2019
Wingo working to protect tenants from unfair rent spikes in City of Buffalo
April 17, 2019
Refugee Health Summit addresses links between housing and health
April 9, 2019
Tonawanda hosts annual fair housing month proclamation
March 26, 2019
Sixth Refugee Health Summit to focus on housing and health
February 6, 2019
2018
December 26/27, 2018
HOME plans training course for landlords: Ken-Ton Bee, Clarence Bee, Cheektowaga Bee, West Seneca Bee, Lancaster Bee, Amherst Bee, East Aurora Bee, Orchard Park Bee
December 13, 2018
Woman Receives Housing Discrimination Settlement
December 6, 2018
HUD Awards $23 Million to Fight Housing Discrimination
December 4, 2018
December 3, 2018
HOME wins settlement for client
November 21-22/28
HOME plans training course for landlords: Ken-Ton Bee, Clarence Bee, Cheektowaga Bee, West Seneca Bee, Lancaster Bee, Amherst Bee
November 14-15, 2018
Erie County law advertisement appears in: The Lancaster Bee, The Amherst Bee, The Clarence Bee, The Ken-Ton Bee, The Cheektowaga Bee
November 8, 2018
HOME receives grant for tech upgrades
October 30, 2018
Eugene V. Debs day coming up on Monday at Mickie’s
October 26, 2018
HOME Receives Grant from the Western New York Foundation for HOME Connect
September 12, 2018
Council presses mayor’s staff on fair housing
August 9, 2018
Erie County strengthens Fair Housing Law to protect against discrimination
Erie County Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of Fair Housing Act
August 1, 2018
Council considers action on fair housing law
July 11, 2018
Investigative Post: Buffalo Not Enforcing Its Fair Housing Law
July 5, 2018
Buffalo not enforcing its fair housing law
April 26, 2018
Proposed Housing Law Would Ban Discrimination Based on Income Subsidies and Citizenship Status
January 31, 2018
Ryan to host Panel Discussion on Affordable Housing in Buffalo
2017
April 21, 2017
The Hamburg Sun
Executive Director M. DeAnna Eason is quoted on affordable housing efforts in the city of Buffalo.
GROUPS TO HOST WORKSHOP ON "SECURING STABLE HOUSING"
March 11, 2017
The Criterion
Local Buffalo organizations, including HOME, will come together to speak about housing barriers that mental health consumers face.
DEANNA EASON CHOSEN TO LEAD HOME
March 1, 2017
The Challenger
New leadership transition at HOME as well as announcement of HOME's 54th Annual Dinner.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES MADE EQUAL HAS UNANIMOUSLY SELECTED M. DEANNA EASON TO LEAD THE 53 YEAR-OLD ORGANIZATION
February 11, 2017
New executive director to spread word about HOME
February 5, 2017
The Buffalo News
M. DEANNA EASON HAS BEEN TAPPED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE BOARD OF HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES MADE EQUAL (HOME) TO SERVE AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2017
February 4, 2017
The Buffalo Criterion
EASON CHOSEN TO LEAD HOME
January 25, 2017
Bee Group Newspaper
There is a new leadership transition at Western New York's premier fair housing agency. M. DeAnna Eason will assume the Executive Director position as Scott Gehl retires.
January 9, 2017
Buffalo Law Journal
New executive director to spread word about home
M. DeAnna Eason doesn’t see the direction of Housing Opportunities Made Equal changing much, even as she assumes leadership of the fair housing and civil rights organization.
2016
December 15, 2016
Buffalo Business First
fair housing agency names new leader
This article discusses the transition of power that occurred as a result of Scott Gehl's retirement and DeAnna Eason's promotion.
October 20, 2016
The Buffalo News
City Hallways (Oct. 20) Concern that all can't afford a $2,000-a-month apartment
An opinion piece discussing how the booming housing market in Buffalo is becoming out of reach for low-income residents. Inclusionary Zoning would give low to moderate income families a chance to afford housing by having a percentage of units in new developments designated for them.
September 6, 2016
The Buffalo News
In wake of rubber duck jam, Council embraces study to improve downtown traffic flow
After a visit by the world's largest rubber duck, Buffalo Common Council discusses what can done to improve traffic flow and examines how "inclusionary zoning" could help lower-income families.
August 19, 2016
Rochester Business Journal
Council considers new law: some landlords upset by income rule
The city of Rochester is considering source-of-income protection for residents receiving Section 8 assistance, but some landlords are against the proposal. HOME discusses the similar resistance in Buffalo until the legislation was passed in 2006.
August 10, 2016
The Buffalo News
RESPONSE TO NORTH TONAWANDA ARSON SENDS MESSAGE AGAINST RACISM
This article discusses a community's response to the arson of a black firefighter's home in North Tonawanda.
July 8, 2016
Buffalo Business First
HOME seeks new leader to advance fair housing efforts
This article discusses the planned departure of HOME's Executive Director, Scott Gehl, at the end of 2016.
June 22, 2016
The Hamburg Sun
HAMBURG STRENGTHENS FAIR HOUSING LAW
The Town of Hamburg cemented its reputation as the leader in fair housing in WNY when, on May 23, the Town Board by unanimous vote adopted a series of amendments to its fair housing law.
The Buffalo News
Hamburg’s housing law Amended to discourage gentrification
Town of Hamburg's Director of Community Development, Christopher Hull, is a proponent of fair housing in Hamburg. An amendment to an existing fair housing law will make it easier for low-income families to move into Hamburg. HOME's Executive Director Scott Gehl also discusses how Hamburg is a pioneer in fair housing in Erie County.
June 16, 2016
The Buffalo News
Town of Boston NeeDs to Back away from its opposition to a new group home
Opinion piece on Town of Boston's refusal to issue a building permit to CSDD to build a group home for adults with developmental disabilities.
June 15, 2016
The Buffalo News
Common Council members question Willoughby Exchange building
HOME was present at the common council meeting discussing the impact that the proposed Willoughby Exchange building will have on the Main- Ferry neighborhood.
June 13, 2016
The Buffalo News
Fair Housing Group Sues Town of Boston
Scott Gehl thought the group homes war was over.
Even now, years later, he remembers the late 1970s and early 1980s as the time when neighborhood and municipal opposition to group homes grew into a major front-burner issue.
Decades later, Gehl’s group, Housing Opportunities Made Equal, is back in court, this time challenging the Town of Boston’s rejection of a home for four developmentally disabled adults...
June 6, 2016
Buffalo Law Journal
Taking on Housing Discrimination
"'HOME has to be here to educate, advocate and litigate on behalf of victims and really to push the civil rights envelope toward social justice,' Scott Gehl said.
Those who work there and other supporters take pride in the concept of equal opportunity and fair housing. He said where a person lives can help determine his or her access to life opportunities such as education, employment, culture, recreation, medical care and municipal services.
'Without that, people don’t begin to have an equal opportunity in life,' he said. 'That’s what HOME is all about.'"
May 28, 2016
The Criterion
Town of Boston Named in Discrimination Suit
HOME and Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled have filed a federal discrimination suit against the town of Boston for refusing to issue a permit to build a group home for four adults with developmental disabilities.
May 4, 2016
The Buffalo News
PUSH Buffalo & HOME want new projects to include units for low income renters
In new apartment buildings with 12 or more units, nearly one out of every three units should be reserved for those who earn less than the median household income, they said. The groups want the city to require the set asides through a zoning and planning code now under review by city officials.
March 01, 2016
Schneiderman announces funding to fight childhood lead poisoning in Buffalo
Nearly $350,000 in settlement funds will be used to identify at-risk children, promote lead testing, and fix lead paint hazards in homes. This article discusses the funding that will go toward fighting childhood lead poisoning in Buffalo. HOME board member Leslie Vishwanath of the Matt Urban Center also mentioned.
February 22, 2016
Another Voice: Time to reframe criminal background checks in housing
HOME's education specialist Katherine Sponaugle writes an opinion piece on criminal background checks used to screen prospective tenants.
February 17, 2016
Governor Cuomo Announces Initiative to Strengthen State's Anti-Discrimination Efforts
HOME is among three fair housing agencies in New York that will work to enforce fair housing practices as part of Governor Cuomo's anti-discrimination initiative.
2015
December 21, 2015
Army vet claims landlord forced him to vacate in dispute over “service dog”
This Buffalo News' article featuring HOME's Scott W. Gehl and Daniel J. Corbitt discusses the discrimination a local veteran faced when he received a service dog to help him cope with PTSD.
November 10, 2015
COUNCIL OKS LAW BARRING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST OWNERS OF THERAPY DOGS
Refusing housing to someone that has a therapy dog or cat is now illegal in Buffalo.
2014
April 11, 2014
Jamestown official to receive HOME human rights award
Mentions that HOME will honor Greg Rabb with Sarah G. Metzger Human Rights Award at 51st annual celebration.
August 1, 2014
Niagara Frontier Publications
First Niagara provides granTs for Housing Opportunities Made Equal
Discusses the $10,000 grant from First Niagara to HOME to fund counseling and security deposit assistance for clients.
September 2, 2014
Buffalo Business First
NY AG, Evans Bancorp square off on mortgage lending
Article discusses AG’s recently announced lawsuit against Evans Bancorp for essentially redlining the eastside of Buffalo. HOME’s executive director Scott Gehl is quoted.
August 14, 2014
LANDLORD FINED FOR DISCRIMINATION SAYS HE WASN’T AWARE OF CITY’S FAIR HOUSING ORDINANCE
Discusses response from Francis Pleto regarding the settlement with the AG’s office over discrimination against Section 8 recipients, includes further responses from HOME executive director Scott Gehl.
June 22, 2014
Buffalo News
Absentee landlord faces $28,000 fine in bias case
Discusses recent determination to uphold damages and penalties in decision regarding familial status discrimination (Gordon v. Cook).
March 13, 2014
Hamburg Town Board approves rezoning of land on South Park and Bayview
Article mentions Hamburg Town Supervisor getting authorization to sign a contract between HOME and the town of Hamburg to provide comprehensive fair housing services to the town until 2019.
February 6, 2014
Hamburg Sun News
Supervisor Steven Walters addresses Hamburg during the 13th annual State of the Town address
HOME was recognized for services provided to the Town of Hamburg.
2013
October 21, 2013
Buffalo News
Buffalo rental firm held liable in housing discrimination case
Article describes HOME’s involvement in bringing forth the first source of income discrimination case under Buffalo’s FH law.
October 18, 2013
WNY Media
State Supreme Court Finds Discrimination in First Case Under Buffalo Fair Housing Law
Article describes HOME’s involvement in bringing forth the first case involving source of income under Buffalo’s 2006 Fair Housing Ordinance.
May 22, 2013
The Buffalo News
In Focus: Scott Gehl and Housing Opportunities Made Equal
Video and article discussing HOME’s work and future challenges.
May 3, 2013
The Buffalo News
Happy birthday, HOME
Discusses HOME’s 50th anniversary gala, origins and landmark achievements, along with the persistence of housing segregation throughout the nation today.
April 18, 2013
Artvoice
What Happens Here
Jack Foran discusses three new documentaries in Squeaky Wheel’s Channels: Stories from the Niagara Frontier series, including This Doesn’t Happen Here, created in conjunction with the Erie County Fair Housing Partnership about the history of housing segregation in the area featuring HOME.
March 30, 2015
The Buffalo Criterion
HOME—At the Forefront of Fair Housing
Scott Gehl writes a brief history of HOME’s origins, early members and accomplishments.
March 26, 2013
UB Generation Magazine
Special Issue: “Continuing the Divide”
Discusses housing segregation and discrimination in Buffalo, quotes Scott Gehl and includes information about HOME’s case against the Town of Orchard Park re: People Inc. housing development.
2012
September 2012
Long-time HOME supporter Mamie Crawford celebrates 100th Birthday!
Former Buffalo resident and HOME supporter Mamie Crawford celebrates her 100th birthday.
HOME, Inc. Successfully Closes Capital Campaign
Thanks to a generous closing gift from the John R. Oishei Foundation, HOME closes their "Creating Stronger, Diverse Communities."
July 11, 2012
Memories of past, hopes for future join at restored building's dedication
The article covers HOME's restoration of a fire damaged building at Main & Ferry and dedication of Oxford Commons, an affordable housing development.
July 10, 2012
HOME Celebrating Main/Ferry Project Completion Today
This article tells of the culmination of a six-year effort to save a vacant and fire-damaged building and turn it into affordable housing.
July 10, 2012
Reuse Project Transforms Vacant Building into Affordable Housing
WBFO/WNED reporter Eileen Buckley produced a story on HOME and the dedication of Oxford Commons.
April 26, 2012
Fair Housing Month focuses on bias, rights
The article gives an overview of all the Fair Housing Month activities going on in the Buffalo area, including a class on Housing Discrimination and Tenants Rights and Responsibilities.
April 9, 2012
Honoring a Cradle Beach Icon
This article talks about the legacy of Mr. Jack C. Anthony who, among other accomplishments and involvements, was one of the founding members of HOME.
March 24, 2012
HOME readies celebration for 49th anniversary
The Buffalo News talks about the upcoming annual meeting and dinner, and gives ticket information.
2011
December 30, 2011
Promoting commitment to human rights
The Western New York Metro News published a brief article about the 2012 Joanne Champion Granger Scholarship.
December 10, 2011
RESidents volunteer their time to better the community
The Western New York Metro News published an article about the Property Maintenance Task Force group in North Tonawanda. The article additionally spoke about how the PMTF group is currently working with HOME to set up a landlord training for N. Tonawanda landlords spring of 2012.
December 3, 2011
HOME's Main-Ferry project nears completion
The Buffalo News HomeFinder reported on the Main-Ferry project, and the Oxford Commons apartments.
November 14, 2011
Updated Rendering for Main-Ferry Project
Buffalo Rising published a short article about the Home for HOME project at Main and Ferry that included an updated rendering, as well as some funding information.
November 4, 2011
Landlords at training event trade tenant horror stories
The Buffalo news reported on the Cheektowaga landlord training event that HOME was a part of. The training was in response to Cheektowaga landlords frustration over a new proposed licensing law.
November 2, 2011
Construction Watch: 1542 Main Street
Buffalo Rising published an update on HOME's Main-Ferry project. The article included updated pictures as well as an updated rendering.
October 23, 2011
So you want to be a landlord
The Buffalo News takes a look at what it takes to be a landlord. Local landlords, and Scott Gehl shared tips, advice and thoughts about the business in Western New York.
September 19, 2011
Community Foundation Makes Grant to Support HOME's Community Housing Center
The Greater Buffalo Community Housing Center, otherwise known as the CHC, has found new funding from the Community Foundation for greater Buffalo, HSBC Bank and the Josephine Goodyear Foundation.
July 23, 2011
Construction Watch: Main/Ferry HOME Project
The article is about the continued progress in the 'Home for HOME' project at Main and Ferry.
May 14, 2011
HOME selects leadership, presents awards at Annual Dinner meeting
At HOME's annual dinner meeting, awards were presented to local individuals who have shown commitments to fair housing and civil rights, and new board members were elected.
May 8, 2011
Honor Roll-Recognizing the Accomplishments of Western New Yorkers
HOME celebrates 48th Annual Celebration, honors award winners and welcomes new board members.
May 5, 2011
Leadership Buffalo Values Awards Program
Scott and Danis Gehl were recognized as 2011 Leadership Buffalo Values award winners.
January 1, 2011
Hanna elected president of Western New York group
This article lists the new officers of the Minority Bar Association for 2011, including Jennifer J. Metzger of HOME as Vice President.
2010
October 14, 2010
Suit claims state agency is blocking upgrade
This article reports that Chason Affinity Development is suing the state Division of Human Rights, claiming that the Division is standing in the way of redeveloping an apartment complex in the Kensington-Eggert area of Cheektowaga. The article notes that Chason Affinity has not built a 126-unit affordable housing section of Collegiate Village as promised in its 2008 agreement with the State, which followed a federal complaint by Housing Opportunities Made Equal which asserted the owners had discriminated based on race and family status.
August 23, 2010
The Buffalo News
Urban Renewal Agency OKs $395,000 grant to HOME
This article reports on the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency's approval of a $395,00 grant for the "Home for HOME" project. Construction is projected to begin in the end of August.
August 14-20, 2010
Orchard Park Charged with Discrimination
Buffalo Rising
This article reports on the filing of two parallel federal complaints by HOME and People, Inc. against the Town of Orchard Park for alleged racial discrimination. The article describes the processes People, Inc. has gone through in an effort to build a 43 unit affordable housing complex for seniors in Orchard Park.
August 13, 2010
Buffalo Rising
HOME for HOME Project Advances
This online article reports that the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency approved a $395,000 grant to HOME for its project on Main and Ferry streets. Prior to the vote, Mayor Byron W. Brown praised the work of the civil rights organization and the impact this project will have on a highly visible intersection and the surrounding community.
August 11, 2010
Buffalo's Business First
HOME eyes new Buffalo HQ
This article reports on the Main-Ferry Project. HOME is working with the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency to renovate the long vacant buildings into HOME's new offices and ten units of affordable housing.
June 22, 2010
The Buffalo News
Orchard Park housing bias cited
This article reports that People, Inc. and HOME have filed federal complaints charging the Town of Orchard Park with housing discrimination for their refusal to rezone property necessary to build affordable senior citizen housing.
May 29, 2010
The Buffalo News
Two separate lives together
This feature story highlights HOME staffer Margaret Brown and her 17-year marriage to husband Marcus Brown, President of the Juneteenth Festival.
May 27, 2010
Renting 101
Blogger Megan Mollman summarizes a recent Buffalo bias case and reminds landlords of their obligation to describe properties in accordance with fair housing laws. She also summarizes various HOME responses to such violations.
The Buffalo News
Real estate agent faces bias charge
This article reports that "Federal authorities charged Amherst real estate agent Judith Serio and Re/Max North with discrimination against families with children, accusing her of refusing to rent an apartment to one family and refusing to even show another apartment to a different family," in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
May 25, 2010
The Buffalo News
Rental bias costs landlord $1,000
This article details a South Buffalo landlord's agreement to a $1,000 settlement as a result of a craigslist posting describing an apartment in a "nice Irish neighborhood." Testing by HOME revealed evidence of racial discrimination.
April 17, 2010
The Buffalo News Home Finder
Buffalo Extra: HOME meeting
This article announces HOME's Annual Meeting and Dinner on Thursday, April 29 starting at 5pm. Canisius College's President-Elect John J. Hurley is the keynote speaker and WIVB's News Anchor Victoria Hong is the MC.
April 13, 2010
The Buffalo News
Frontier student to get $1,000 HOME scholarship
This article announces David Heaton as the 2010 Joanne Champion Granger Scholarship winner, which will be presented at HOME's Annual Meeting and Dinner on April 29.
April 8, 2010
The Buffalo News
Battle spreads over apartments for seniors
This front page article reports on the affordable senior housing complex proposed for the Houghton College site in West Seneca and the local resistance to the project. Although developer Brian Young will also build other market-rate units on the site, only the 47 units of affordable housing have generated controversy. The article refers to People, Inc.'s trouble with obtaining a permit to build a similar complex in Orchard Park and HOME's investigation of the matter.
April 5, 2010
The Buffalo News
Series of events focuses on fair housing law
This article reports on the various activities planned for Fair Housing Month, including HOME's Annual Meeting and Dinner on April 29.
February 14, 2010
The Buffalo News
Landlord training course scheduled for Tuesday
This article reports on the upcoming free landlord training course offered by HOME. The article mentions HOME's partners: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Erie County Department of Health, and Roswell Park Cancer Institute's Erie-Niagara Tobacco-Free Coalition.
January 29, 2010
The Spectrum
LOCAL HOUSING ORGANIZATION FINDS NEW HOME
This article reports on the "Home for HOME Project" and the recent grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for $25,000. The article covers both the "Home for HOME Project" and the new free landlord training courses to be offered by HOME through a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation as well.