More Than $54M Granted by HUD to Counter Housing Discrimination

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $54 million to 182 fair housing organizations nationwide through its Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). These grants aim to address violations of the Fair Housing Act and combat housing discrimination. Additionally, HUD has allocated $26.35 million to its Private Enforcement Initiative grantees for fair housing enforcement efforts.

HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge expressed concern about the discrimination faced by many families and emphasized the program’s role in promoting equality in housing. The funding follows the one-year anniversary of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Interagency Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) Action Plan, which focuses on advancing equity in the home appraisal process.

The grant recipients will utilize the funds to investigate housing discrimination, conduct tests to identify bias, file complaints, and provide education and outreach activities related to fair housing rights. Demetria L. McCain, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, highlighted the importance of these programs in eliminating housing discrimination and commended the efforts of fair housing partners.

HUD is allocating grants in several categories, including Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) for testing and enforcement, Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) for public education, Education and Outreach Initiative Test Coordinator Training (EOI-TCT) for fair housing testing courses, and Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI) to support non-profit organizations in fair housing enforcement and education.

In summary, HUD has awarded $54 million to fair housing organizations across the country to combat housing discrimination and promote fair housing practices. The grants will fund investigations, testing, education, and outreach activities aimed at creating a more inclusive society.