Henry, et al., v. National Hous. Partnership, as Gen’l Partner of Kennedy Homes Ltd. Partnership, et al.

(N.D. Fla., J. Mickle, 2006)

In 2003, a fire engulfed Kennedy Homes, a federally subsidized multi-family housing complex for low- and extremely low-income families located in Gainesville. The fire was caused by leaking gas lines, a symptom of years of neglect and poor maintenance. The complex was closed due to unsafe conditions, and all of the residents were forced to relocate. Many residents were unable to afford the increased costs of replacement housing. SLC and Three Rivers Legal Services represented 35 former residents who sued in federal court alleging race discrimination under the federal Fair Housing Act and other claims. The suit aimed to hold the private owner of Kennedy Homes and its parent corporation AIMCO (the largest owner of privately held low-income housing in the nation) responsible for the lack of maintenance that led to its closure. A confidential mediated settlement was reached.