Funding News

Washington- On June 14, An announcement was made by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide $29.5 Million in funds to state and local fair housing enforcement agencies across the country under Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). The FHAP serves as a collaborative effort between the federal government and state/local agencies, working together to safeguard the public against housing discrimination. With the help of funding, the investigations will be made into the fair housing complaint and outreach activities will be conducted to inform the public and housing providers about their rights under Fair Housing Act and local fair housing laws.

HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said, “This funding notice is crucial as it supports local organizations in the fight to root out housing discrimination in their communities. It is HUD’s mission to combat unlawful housing discrimination, and programs like the Fair Housing Assistance Program give communities the resources necessary to protect them from all acts of housing discrimination”

The funding is used to support the efforts of 77 state, county, and city agencies to administer fair housing laws that outline remedies and procedures equivalent to those provided by the Fair Housing Act.

HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary said, “Our FHAP agencies play a pivotal role in our enforcement efforts to address discrimination and inequality in today’s housing market. Discriminatory actions in an attempt to prevent fair and equal housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, and familial status should not be tolerated in our society, and these agencies are essential partners in fighting against discrimination at the state and local levels.”

HUD is providing around a 6.5% increase in case processing fund reimbursement rates and administrative cost funds which are regarded as the significant sources of FHAP funding provided to the agency’s partners. Besides this, HUD is also providing a total of $1.5 Million to support FHAP agencies so that they can partner with community organizations on education and outreach activities. The scope and use of enforcement funds has also been expanded by the HUD to make $1.1 Million to assist agencies to create hybrid work environments and conduct fair housing enforcement work which is a must needed thing in times of covid-19 pandemic.

You can visit the official website of the Department to learn more about how state or local jurisdiction can become a fair house assistance program. The people who have been the victims of fair housing can also file a complaint with HUD.