Sargent Shriver National Center of Poverty Law (2017 and 2018)

Was supported by Foundation grants in two separate cases addressing both housing and discrimination. They report the following successful case results: 

2017 Grant

Suit in 2017 against the Alexander County Housing Authority for discrimination in assignment of public housing units based on race, where African Americans were placed in inferior units needing repair.  Paul Lambert v. Alexander County Housing Authority 

While settlement terms are not authorized to be disclosed publicly, the Shriver Center views the settlement to be strong and a positive outcome for their clients and provide a model for advocacy for similar cases across the country. 

Click here to see the original grant, including the six-month and year-end reports


2018 Grant

Suit challenging the enforcement of a local “chronic nuisance ordinance” aimed at predominantly African American neighborhoods, in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act and Illinois Civil Rights Act. Case is set for trial in July 2020.

The lawsuit claims that African Americans face eviction for conduct that does not result in the eviction of whites. Hope Fair Housing Center v. City of Peoria

Click here to see the original grant, including the six-month and year-end reports