Darrius Woods

The Project

Throughout the country, communities of color are being targeted for land contracts and other home purchase scams. Land contracts are a predatory form of seller financing wherein the buyer does not obtain title to the home until the final payment is made, and a default at any time can result in a loss of all equity and a swift eviction. Home purchase scams are becoming increasingly common in Atlanta due to several factors including a large inventory of cheap and poorly-maintained homes following the foreclosure crisis, a lack of state regulation, and a severe shortage of affordable housing. Darrius’ work will help prevent more wealth from leaving minority communities.

Darrius provides legal advocacy to low-income communities and communities of color that are disproportionately impacted by predatory home purchase scams to prevent abusive practices and build wealth.

Fellowship Highlights

In the first year, Darrius has:

• Advised over 100 clients about home purchase scams and provided direct representation to 20 clients.
• Built coalitions with other housing advocates and community groups.
• Created Know Your Rights materials and started distributing them in low-income communities.
• Assisted clients in challenging forfeiture terms in their contracts for deed transactions.
• Participated in a number of media interviews to spread the word about contracts for deed and other predatory home purchase transactions.

What’s Next:

In the next year, Darrius plans to:

• Partner with community-based groups to hold public workshops and promote policy changes related to home purchase and sale scams.
• Author a report about land contracts in Atlanta and their impact on communities of color.
• Advise 100 new clients and represent 20 more clients.
• Research options and local initiatives addressing community-based nonprofit lending.
• Continue education and outreach with pro bono volunteers.
• Implement plans to promote project goals after the Fellowship ends.