Washington, DC – January 22, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development yesterday awarded $374,846.58 to two Vermont organizations to assist people who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination (see below data).
The grants are funded through HUD’s Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) and will be used to investigate allegations of housing discrimination, educate the public and the housing industry about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act, and work to promote equal housing opportunities.
“In 2010, the fight for fair housing across America continues. The organizations we are funding are respected and trusted groups that emerged from a very competitive process,” stated John Trasviña, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity. “They will help HUD enforce the law and educate the public about their rights and responsibilities under the law.”
The categories Vermont grants were awarded in are:
- Private Enforcement Initiative grants (PEI) – HUD awarded $274,846.58 to Vermont Legal Aid, Inc. to help investigate alleged housing discrimination, and enforce the Fair Housing Act and state and local laws that are substantially equivalent to the Act.
- Education and Outreach Initiative grants (EOI) – HUD awarded $100,000 to the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity to assist in educating the public and housing providers about their rights and obligations under federal, state, and local fair housing laws.
FHEO and its partners in the Fair Housing Assistance Program investigate approximately 10,000 housing discrimination complaints annually. People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at (800) 669-9777 (voice), (800) 927-9275 (TTY). Additional information is available online. Stay on top of the most up-to-date news regarding the Fair Housing Act by signing up for the FHEO RSS Feed.
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HUD is the nation’s housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation’s fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.
