WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $31.7 million from its Fiscal Year 2024 budget to support 75 fair housing organizations. This strategic funding is provided through the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) and is targeted at second- and third-year grantees under the Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI), ensuring the continuation of critical fair housing enforcement activities.
The funds will empower recipient organizations to conduct rigorous investigations and fair housing tests designed to uncover discrimination in rental and sales markets. These activities are pivotal in identifying violations of the Fair Housing Act and facilitating the filing of complaints with HUD or corresponding state and local agencies. Additionally, the grantees will spearhead educational and outreach efforts aimed at informing the public, housing providers, and local governments about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act.
Adrianne Todman, HUD’s Acting Secretary, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Ensuring fair access to quality and affordable housing for people who have been historically discriminated against is one of the foundations of our mission.” By aligning resources with local governments and private organizations, HUD aims to foster inclusive communities by equipping partners with the necessary tools to enforce fair housing laws effectively.
In addition to the PEI allocations, HUD is extending support to five organizations under the Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) using $500,000 from unspent funds in the FY 2023 budget. These organizations, including the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, Inc., and HOPE, Inc., will engage in activities that raise awareness about fair housing rights and promote compliance with fair housing laws.
Diane M. Shelley, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, highlighted the program’s significance, noting, “The Fair Housing Initiative Program continues to be a bedrock for empowering our state and local partners in advancing fair housing at the grassroots level.”
The PEI and EOI initiatives aim to work towards eradicating discriminatory practices in housing and ensuring equitable access to housing opportunities. By supporting these organizations, HUD seeks to drive meaningful progress and create lasting positive impacts within communities nationwide. This funding not only strengthens fair housing enforcement but also reinforces the foundational principles of equality and justice upon which the Fair Housing Act was established.
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