In 2013, AVLF’s now-Executive Director Michael Lucas was a staff attorney, deeply frustrated by the conditions tenants were forced to live in. One of the most serious and recurring issues was mold. Families were experiencing worsening health, and children were often the most affected. Yet, landlords regularly denied responsibility, dismissing the presence of black mold as minor mildew and blaming tenants for poor housekeeping.
Determined to find a solution, Michael reached out to Rich Johnson, a mold identification specialist and owner of Air Allergen. That call marked the beginning of a powerful partnership rooted in shared frustration, purpose, and action. Rich didn’t just listen, he stepped in.
A Decade of Impact
From that moment on, Rich became one of AVLF’s most valuable partners. In the early years, he offered mold testing services completely free of charge. As demand grew, he continued to provide them at a steep discount, making his services accessible to tenants with limited resources. Over the past decade, Rich and his team completed more than 870 mold tests for AVLF clients.
That conversation marked the beginning of a lasting partnership that would change the lives of hundreds of Atlanta families.
These tests played a critical role in helping AVLF attorneys build strong cases. With Rich’s expert reports, attorneys could demonstrate what tenants already knew to be true: that mold was present, harmful, and the result of neglect—not poor housekeeping. Rich didn’t stop at testing. He served as an expert witness in court, took time to explain findings to families, and always showed up when it mattered most.
His work helped AVLF secure some of the strongest outcomes in the Safe and Stable Homes program’s history. And in a court system where the vast majority of tenants lack representation, Rich’s presence as a nationally respected expert added weight and credibility to every case.
Michael reflected, “Rich was the key to helping us prove what our clients had been saying all along. Our clients always had a voice. Rich helped make sure someone finally listened.”
A Lasting Legacy
Rich Johnson’s contributions to AVLF stretched far beyond the courtroom. His generosity provided hundreds of families with the proof they needed to fight for safer housing. Because of him, children grew up in healthier homes and parents felt empowered to speak up. Beyond the data and test results, Rich offered presence. He stood with tenants, explained findings with care, and made sure people felt heard.
Although Rich passed away shortly before AVLF could honor him publicly, his legacy remains strong. His family and the Air Allergen team joined us to accept an award in his memory.
Michael shared, “It was one of the greatest honors of my career. Rich made a difference—in our work, in our community, and in the lives of so many families.”
Rich Johnson’s impact lives on in every safer home and every tenant who now knows they mattered.