We’re working to break down unfair and discriminatory barriers to homeownership, advocating for policies that expand access to affordable credit, combat predatory lending, and give more families the opportunity to build wealth and put down roots. From historic redlining to modern appraisal bias, too many Virginians have been denied a fair shot at ownership. We’re pushing for systemic reforms that create lasting, equitable pathways to homeownership for generations to come.
Our work in this area includes:
Strengthening Fair Lending Laws
Access to safe, affordable credit is essential for homeownership, but too many families are still targeted by predatory lenders. We work to close loopholes and strengthen protections for first-time and historically excluded buyers. Our work includes:
- Advocating for and helping pass the Fairness in Lending Act to cap interest rates and rein in payday and auto title lenders.
- Promoting equitable access to credit through safe lending alternatives.
- Monitoring lending practices to ensure compliance and prevent new forms of financial exploitation.
Confronting Discrimination in Housing Access
Discriminatory practices in housing—from redlining to appraisal bias—continue to limit opportunity for many Virginians. We fight to remove these barriers and expand fair access to homeownership. Our advocacy efforts:
- Push for stronger enforcement of fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, income source, disability, and more.
- Educate tenants, prospective buyers, and lawmakers about the impact of housing discrimination.
- Support policy reforms that increase housing choice and help renters transition into ownership.
Supporting Long-Term Affordability and Ownership
True equity in homeownership means helping families to buy homes and keep them. We work to make ownership more affordable and sustainable for low- and moderate-income Virginians. We focus on:
- Expanding homeownership programs like down payment assistance and nonprofit-led models such as community land trusts.
- Partnering with state agencies to design pathways to ownership that promote long-term financial stability.
- Advocating for protections that prevent foreclosure and displacement.
Our Housing Advocacy Team
In the 2025 Legislative Session
Featured:
Help for First-Time Homebuyers
With help from VPLC legislative advocacy, the state will invest $5 million from surplus funds generated through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) — a carbon-reduction program paid for by polluting power plants — to go toward down payment assistance for first-time buyers with very low incomes, helping them purchase energy-efficient homes and build long-term financial stability.
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