Funds will go to state and local fair housing enforcement partners.
Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is awarding $26 million in non-competitive funding available to HUD’s state and local fair housing enforcement agencies across the country under its Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). The FHAP is an intergovernmental partnership between the federal government and state and local agencies to provide protection to the public against discrimination in housing. The funding to State and local enforcement agencies supports fair housing complaint investigations and education and outreach activities to inform the public, housing providers, and local governments about their rights and responsibilities under both the Fair Housing Act and state and local fair housing laws.
“One of HUD’s most important priorities is to ensure that we root out any and all forms of discrimination in housing, but we cannot do this work without our partners on the ground,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “Today, we’re making $26 million more available to enforce the Fair Housing Act and ensure fair housing for all.”
The $26 million in fiscal year 2024 funding supports the efforts of 77 State, county, and city agencies that administer fair housing laws that provide rights, remedies, and procedures that are substantially equivalent to those provided by the federal Fair Housing Act. This past year, HUD saw a 6% increase in the total number of cases processed by FHAP agencies.
“HUD’s FHAP partner agencies play a pivotal role in our enforcement efforts to minimize discrimination and inequalities that exist in today’s housing market,” said Demetria L. McCain, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “Discriminatory actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability and familial status are illegal and our partnerships with state and local agencies are essential in the fight for fair housing.”
“These vital funds provide essential support to state and local jurisdictions dedicated to the effective enforcement of fair housing laws in collaboration with HUD,” said Dr. Alisa Warren, President of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies, which comprises FHAP agencies. “FHAP agencies are actively engaged in human rights implementation within communities to safeguard individuals against discrimination and by leveraging the law in their jurisdiction.”
“Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) agencies are an important part of the fair housing ecosystem. These groups enforce state and local fair housing laws that provide critical protections for people trying to obtain secure, fair, and affordable housing opportunities,” said Lisa Rice, President and CEO, National Fair Housing Alliance. “Private fair housing non-profit organizations that work on the frontlines to investigate discrimination complaints need to have strong, well-funded FHAP agencies to ensure people can access the housing they need free from unfair practices.”
To learn more about how a state or local jurisdiction can join the Fair Housing Assistance Program, visit the Department’s FHAP website. People who believe they have experienced discrimination may file a complaint by contacting HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (Relay). Housing discrimination complaints may also be filed by going to hud.gov/fairhousing.