The Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $38.3 million in grants to fair housing organizations, including $24.7 million to fund testing and investigations of lenders, landlords and others for possible discriminatory housing practices.
“These grants make it possible for nonprofits to assist people in their communities pursue their
The Legal Aide of Palm Beach County, Fla., will use a $325,000 grant to investigate lending discrimination complaints and litigate if necessary.
Many of the grants are used to train testers and conduct rental, sales and lending testing for referral to HUD to pursue enforcement actions.
Other grants are used to expand existing enforcement programs. The Orange County (Calif.) Fair Housing Council will use its $224,680 grant to take actions against real estate agents, leasing agents and homebuilders that steer or discourage immigrant groups or persons with disabilities away from housing opportunities.
The Chicago Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law will use a $325,000 grant to investigate cases of rental, sales or lending discriminating and refer cases to 35 pro-bono Chicago law firms.
“Ensuring and promoting Fair Housing practices lies at the core of HUD’s mission and these grants enable community groups all over the nation to help families who are denied equal access to housing,” said HUD secretary Shaun Donovan.
