HUD awards $32 million to combat discrimination

The Department of Housing and Urban Development last week allocated $31.7 million to support 75 fair housing organizations in their fight against discrimination.

The funds will be distributed through the Fair Housing Initiatives Program from the department's fiscal year 2024 budget.

“Although separate from Section 202 [Supportive Housing for the Elderly] “With funding, these awards will promote fair access to quality, affordable housing for people who have historically been discriminated against, including our nation’s seniors,” a HUD spokesperson told the McKnight's Business Daily.

The funds are intended to assist recipients in enforcing fair housing regulations and engaging in education and outreach initiatives to inform the public, housing providers, and local governments about the rights and responsibilities set forth in the Fair Housing Act and the fair housing services provided by grant recipients.

“Ensuring fair access to quality, affordable housing for people who have historically been discriminated against is one of the foundations of our mission,” said Adrianne Todman, acting secretary of HUD. “As part of our commitment to fostering inclusive communities across the country, we are supporting local governments and private organizations to ensure they have the tools they need to enforce the Fair Housing Act,” it said in a press release.

Todman added that the grants “provide significant resources to our private partners on the ground.”

In addition to the nearly $32 million in grants, the department has allocated $500,000 in unspent funds from the fiscal year 2023 budget under the Education and Outreach Initiative component to support five additional organizations: Family Housing Advisory Services, Rogers Park Community Council, Housing Opportunities Project for Excellence, Intermountain Fair Housing Council and Fair Housing Council of Riverside County.

“The Fair Housing Initiative Program continues to be a cornerstone for strengthening our state and local partners in advancing fair housing at the grassroots level,” said Diane M. Shelley, HUD's assistant secretary for fair housing and equity. “The funds provided today will drive meaningful progress and have a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve.”

A breakdown of all grant recipients by state is available on the HUD website.