Events

August 18, 2026 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM

There’s No Place Like Home
The Pinnacle
1772 Indian Wood Circle
Maumee, OH
The Red Shoe event is back! Get ready to click your heels and celebrate at There’s No Place Like Home, returning to the Pinnacle this summer for a Happy Hour event you won’t want to miss.

Your red shoes symbolize the journey we all take to find a place to call home. Join us as we support inclusive communities and expand housing opportunities for all. Prizes will be awarded for the Best Red Shoes, so start planning your look now!

There’s No Place Like Home is a much-anticipated fundraiser for The Fair Housing Center, inspired by the timeless themes of The Wizard of Oz and the importance of safe, stable, and welcoming housing.

The Fair Housing Center is a leading force in preventing and eliminating housing discrimination. Through education, outreach, advocacy, mediation, research, investigation, and enforcement, the Center works to ensure fair and equal housing opportunities throughout our community.

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

PRESENTED BY KEY REALTY

May 30, 2026 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM

Homes and Dreams Fundraiser
The Toledo Club
235 14th Street
Toledo, OH 43604
The Fair Housing Center is excited to announce our third annual Homes and Dreams fundraiser. We invite you to join us at The Toledo Club on May 30, 2026, for an evening of fine dining and fun with entertainment provided by local musicians Mike Williams on Sax and Arthur Bishop III. Your ticket includes a complimentary strolling buffet, cash bar, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and a chance to honor this year’s Advancing the Fair Housing Movement Awardees.

April 18, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Ode to the Zip Code Reading and Reception
Main Library- McMaster Center
325 Michigan Street
Toledo, OH 43604
It’s time to reveal the winners of the 2026 Ode to the Zip Code Contest. Join at the Main Library in the McMaster Center on April 18, 2026 at 2 p.m. for a community reading of this year’s submissions and the anticipated announcement and acknowledgement of the first, second, and third place finalists.

Winners selected from youth (11 and under), young adult (12-17), and adult (18 and older) categories will be awarded cash prizes up to $500. Top poems will also be published in Toledo City Paper and Toledo Area Parent.

April 12, 2026 from 12:00 – 3:00 PM

Strike Out Discrimination
Miracle Lanes of Toledo
5030 Jackman Road
Toledo, OH 43613
Join SBA Pro Bono for a night of strikes, spares, and fundraising at the annual Strike Out Discrimination bowling fundraiser in benefit of The Fair Housing Center.

Whether you are a seasoned bowler or a total newbie, we’ve got something for everyone. This event is for anyone looking to have a good time while supporting the mission of The Fair Housing Center. At this event you will enjoy a fun and friendly atmosphere. You will also be able to bid on auction items and win prizes.

So, grab your friends and family, lace up those bowling shoes, and get ready to have a blast while supporting a great cause.

February 1-26, 2026

2026 Ode to the Zip Code Call for Entries
Your ZIP Code matters. It’s not just an address, it’s an identity.

The Fair Housing Center, The Arts Commission, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Toledo City Paper, and Toledo Area Parent are partnering to host Ode to the ZIP Code. This free poetry competition invites Toledo area residents to submit short poems inspired by their ZIP Code, where the number of words in each line of the poem is determined by the corresponding digit in their ZIP Code. All ages and neighborhoods are welcome.

Entries will be accepted online here: Submit Entries

Winners selected from youth (11 and under), young adult (12-17), and adult (18 and older) categories will be awarded cash prizes. Top poems will also be published in Toledo City Paper . All entries will be juried, and finalists will be featured in a special event in April.

Last year’s winning Youth entry, by Theo Decker:
4 dogs in the distance
3 cars driving by
6 snow falling down on the ground
1 calmness
6 so much in a simple neighborhood

April is both National Poetry Month and Fair Housing Month. The Ode to the ZIP Code event is a creative way to engage the community in talking about how our life experiences are shaped by where we live. Inspiration for the contest came from the O, Miami Poetry Festival and WLRN-Miami Herald News, the originators of the “zip ode” concept.

October 4, 2025 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM

Honoring Our Past, Building the Future: 50 Years of the Fair Housing Center
Toledo Museum of Art- Glass Pavilion
2445 Monroe Street
Toledo, OH 43604
For five decades, The Fair Housing Center has stood as a shield and a voice for our community. We’ve fought redlining, housing discrimination, and inequities that kept families from finding stability and home.

September 24, 2025 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Toledo’s Candidates’ Forum for Housing Services
Main Library- McMaster Center
325 N. Michigan Street
Toledo, OH 43604
Ask Toledo City Council and Mayoral candidates your pressing questions about housing. This 90-minute forum will go over issues such as affordable housing development, fair housing enforcement, homelessness solutions, and neighborhood investment. Presented by Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board, Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity, The Fair Housing Center, The Links, Incorporated, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, and Toledo Community Coalition.

May 1, 2025 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM

Homes and Dreams Fundraiser
Registry Bistro
144 N. Superior Street
Toledo, OH 43604
The Fair Housing Center is excited to announce our second annual Homes and Dreams fundraiser. We invite you to join us at Registry Bistro on May 1, 2025, for an evening of fine dining and fun with entertainment provided by local musician Mike Williams on Sax. Your ticket includes a complimentary strolling buffet, cash bar, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and a chance to honor this year’s Advancing the Fair Housing Movement Awardees.

April 19, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Ode to the Zip Code Reading and Reception
Toledo School for the Arts- The Portal
1401 Adams Street
Toledo, OH 43604
It’s time to reveal the winners of the 2025 Ode to the Zip Code Contest. Join at the Toledo School for the Arts Portal and Black Box Theater on April 19, 2025 at 2 p.m. for a community reading of this year’s submissions and the anticipated announcement and acknowledgement of the first, second, and third place finalists.

Winners selected from youth (11 and under), young adult (12-17), and adult (18 and older) categories will be awarded cash prizes up to $500. Top poems will also be published in Toledo City Paper and Toledo Area Parent.

January 27 – February 24, 2025

2025 Ode to the Zip Code Call For Entries
Your ZIP Code matters. It’s not just an address, it’s an identity.

Now celebrating its 10th year, The Fair Housing Center, The Arts Commission, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Toledo City Paper, and Toledo Area Parent are pleased to host Ode to the ZIP Code. This free poetry competition invites Toledo area residents to submit short poems inspired by their ZIP Code, where the number of words in each line of the poem is determined by the corresponding digit in their ZIP Code. All ages and neighborhoods are welcome.

Entries will be accepted online through February 24, 2025 at https://toledocitypaper.com/fun-and-games/giveaway/ode-to-the-zip-code-2025/. Contact your Library for help completing the online form.

Winners selected from youth (11 and under), young adult (12-17), and adult (18 and older) categories will be awarded cash prizes. Top poems will also be published in Toledo City Paper and Toledo Area Parent. All entries will be juried, and finalists will be featured in a special virtual event in April.

Last year’s winning Adult poem, by Justin Longacre:
4 The sidewalk on Grantwood
3 gently curves around
6 the trunk of an old tree
1 I
3 too must bend

April is both National Poetry Month and Fair Housing Month. The Ode to the ZIP Code event is a creative way to engage the community in talking about how our life experiences are shaped by where we live. Inspiration for the contest came from the O, Miami Poetry Festival and WLRN-Miami Herald News, the originators of the “zip ode” concept.

May 2, 2024 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM

Homes and Dreams Fundraiser
Registry Bistro
144 N. Superior Street
Toledo, OH 43604
The Fair Housing Center is excited to announce our Homes and Dreams fundraiser. We invite you to join us at Registry Bistro on May 2, 2024, for an evening of fine dining and fun with entertainment provided by local artist Mike Williams on Sax. Each ticket purchase will provide you with a strolling dinner and access to a cash bar.

April 20, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Ode to the Zip Code Reading and Reception
Main Library- Large Glass Community Room
325 Michigan Street
Toledo, OH 43604
It’s time to reveal the winners of the 2024 Ode to the Zip Code Contest. Join at the Main Library in the Large Glass Community Room on April 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. for a community reading of this year’s submissions and the anticipated announcement and acknowledgement of the first, second, and third place finalists.

Winners selected from youth (11 and under), young adult (12-17), and adult (18 and older) categories will be awarded cash prizes up to $500. Top poems will also be published in Toledo City Paper and Toledo Area Parent.

January 24 – March 4, 2024

2024 Ode to the Zip Code Call For Entries
Your ZIP Code matters. It’s not just an address, it’s an identity.

For the ninth year in a row, The Fair Housing Center, The Arts Commission, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Toledo City Paper, and Toledo Area Parent are partnering to host Ode to the ZIP Code. This free poetry competition invites Toledo area residents to submit short poems inspired by their ZIP Code, where the number of words in each line of the poem is determined by the corresponding digit in their ZIP Code. All ages and neighborhoods are welcome.

Entries will be accepted online through March 4, 2024 at https://toledocitypaper.com/the-city/ode-to-the-zip-code-2024/. Contact your Library for help completing the online form.

Winners selected from youth (11 and under), young adult (12-17), and adult (18 and older) categories will be awarded cash prizes. Top poems will also be published in Toledo City Paper and Toledo Area Parent. All entries will be juried, and finalists will be featured in a special virtual event in April.

Last year’s winning young adult poem, by James Nauden:
4 Raindrops sliding down trumpets
3 mirroring abandoned innocence.
6 Matching crowds wailing at sanctioned violence
0 (A hush)
7  drowns the clammy field in winless tears

April is both National Poetry Month and Fair Housing Month. The Ode to the ZIP Code event is a creative way to engage the community in talking about how our life experiences are shaped by where we live. Inspiration for the contest came from the O, Miami Poetry Festival and WLRN-Miami Herald News, the originators of the “zip ode” concept.

August 26, 2023 – September 30, 2023

Run Discrimination Out of Town Walkathon/Runathon
Lace-up your running shoes and join us for our Inaugural Run Discrimination Out of Town virtual walkathon/runathon! We invite you to join us in creating inclusive communities that enhance opportunities for all. You can register as an individual or gather some friends and family and register as a team and set your own mileage goals!

The Fair Housing Center Will hold three in-person events at Metroparks Toledo to get participants together and encourage them to work on their goals. The events are intended to be accessible and open to all. The events will take place on the following days:

• August 26, 2023, from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. at Wildwood Metropark will be the kick-off event to start the Run Discrimination Out of Town walkathon/runathon.
• September 9, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. at Oak Openings Metropark will be the middle event to encourage participants to keep pushing towards their goal.
• September 30, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. at Pearson Metropark will be the closing event to conclude the Run Discrimination Out of Town walkathon/runathon.

April 28, 2023 from 9:00 – 11:30 AM

The Fair Housing Summit
Main Library- McMaster Center
325 North Michigan Street
Toledo, OH 43604
Join us at The Fair Housing Summit where we will be address the state of fair housing in Lucas and Wood counties.

April 19, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Ode to the Zip Code Reading and Reception
Main Library- Large Glass Community Room
325 Michigan Street
Toledo, OH 43604
It’s time to reveal the winners of the 2023 Ode to the Zip Code Contest. Join at the Main Library in the Large Glass Community Room on April 19, 2023 at 6 p.m. for a community reading of this year’s submissions and the anticipated announcement and acknowledgement of the first, second, and third place finalists.

Winners selected from youth (11 and under), young adult (12-17), and adult (18 and older) categories will be awarded cash prizes up to $500. Top poems will also be published in Toledo City Paper and Toledo Area Parent.

April 16, 2023 from 12:00 – 4:00 PM

Strike Out Discrimination
Miracle Lanes of Toledo
5030 Jackman Road
Toledo, OH 43613
Join SBA Pro Bono for a night of strikes, spares, and fundraising at the second annual Strike Out Discrimination bowling fundraiser in benefit of The Fair Housing Center.

Whether you are a seasoned bowler or a total newbie, we’ve got something for everyone. This event is for anyone looking to have a good time while supporting the mission of The Fair Housing Center. At this event you will enjoy a fun and friendly atmosphere. You will also be able to bid on auction items and win prizes.

So, grab your friends and family, lace up those bowling shoes, and get ready to have a blast while supporting a great cause.

February 1 – March 6, 2023

2023 Ode to the Zip Code Call For Entries
Your ZIP Code matters. It’s not just an address, it’s an identity.

For the eighth year in a row, The Fair Housing Center, The Arts Commission, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Toledo City Paper, and Toledo Area Parent are partnering to host Ode to the ZIP Code. This free poetry competition invites Toledo area residents to submit short poems inspired by their ZIP Code, where the number of words in each line of the poem is determined by the corresponding digit in their ZIP Code. All ages and neighborhoods are welcome.

Entries will be accepted online through March 6, 2023 at https://toledocitypaper.com/tcp-art-culture/lit/ode2023/#//. Contact your Library for help completing the online form.

Winners selected from youth (11 and under), young adult (12-17), and adult (18 and older) categories will be awarded cash prizes. Top poems will also be published in Toledo City Paper and Toledo Area Parent. All entries will be juried, and finalists will be featured in a special virtual event in April.

Last year’s winning Youth poem, by Aminah Algendy:
4 Ottawa Hills Elementary School
3 Schools rarely close
6 But when it actually does close
0
6  We have fun at sledding hill

April is both National Poetry Month and Fair Housing Month. The Ode to the ZIP Code event is a creative way to engage the community in talking about how our life experiences are shaped by where we live. Inspiration for the contest came from the O, Miami Poetry Festival and WLRN-Miami Herald News, the originators of the “zip ode” concept.

September 8, 2022 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Community Premier of ZIP Code Matters & Conversation
Imagination Station- KeyBank Discovery Theater
1 Discovery Way
Toledo, OH 43604
Did you know that your ZIP code has a bigger impact on your health and well-being than your genetic code? Learn more at the community screening and conversation of ZIP Code Matters at Imagination Station on September 8, 2022.

August 18, 2022 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM

There’s No Place Like Home
The Pinnacle
1772 Indian Wood Circle
Maumee, OH 43537
Time to put on your red shoes and join the happiest of happy hours! Your red shoes represent the journey we make to find that place we call home! Please join us in creating inclusive communities that enhance opportunities for all.

There’s No Place Like Home is the signature fundraiser for The Fair Housing Center. The theme of this event is loosely based on The Wizard of Oz. It is about the journey we make when looking for a place to call home.

The Fair Housing Center is a leading visible force in preventing, correcting, and eliminating discriminatory housing practices. The Center works as a trusted community resource, engaging in education and outreach, advocacy for anti-discriminatory housing policies, mediation, research and investigation, and enforcement actions.

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

PRESENTED BY KEY REALTY

June 8, 2022 from 1:00 – 3:30 PM

Problem Prevention For Tenants
Main Library- Community Room 1
325 North Michigan Avenue
Learn your rights as a renter and gain tips for making your rental experience successful. Stick around after the tenants’ class to speak with a TFHC Mediator to ask questions, review information, and discuss possible mediation for your specific situation.

April 19, 2022 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Ode to the Zip Code Reading and Reception
Facebook Live Online Event
It’s time to reveal the winners of the 2022 Ode to the Zip Code Contest. Join us on Facebook Live on April 19, 2022 at 7 p.m. for a special online reading of this year’s submissions and the anticipated announcement and acknowledgement of the first, second, and third place finalists.

Winners selected from youth (11 and under), young adult (12-17), and adult (18 and older) categories will be awarded cash prizes up to $500. Top poems will also be published in Toledo City Paper and Toledo Area Parent.

February 1 – 21, 2022

2022 Ode to the Zip Code Call For Entries
Update: Deadline Extended through February 21
Your ZIP Code matters. It’s not just an address, it’s an identity.

For the seventh year in a row, The Fair Housing Center, The Arts Commission, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Toledo City Paper, and Toledo Area Parent are partnering to host Ode to the ZIP Code. This free poetry competition invites Toledo area residents to submit short poems inspired by their ZIP Code, where the number of words in each line of the poem is determined by the corresponding digit in their ZIP Code. All ages and neighborhoods are welcome.

Entries will be accepted online through February 21, 2022 at https://toledocitypaper.com/lit/ode2022/. Contact your Library for help completing the online form.

Winners selected from youth (11 and under), young adult (12-17), and adult (18 and older) categories will be awarded cash prizes. Top poems will also be published in Toledo City Paper and Toledo Area Parent. All entries will be juried, and finalists will be featured in a special virtual event in April.

Last year’s winning youth poem, by Zeke Freeman:
4 Our neighbor dog Bob
3 The birds chirping
6 The trees are good for climbing
0 (Westmoreland)
7 Mott Branch Library is my happy place

April is both National Poetry Month and Fair Housing Month. The Ode to the ZIP Code event is a creative way to engage the community in talking about how our life experiences are shaped by where we live. Inspiration for the contest came from the O, Miami Poetry Festival and WLRN-Miami Herald News, the originators of the “zip ode” concept.