Housing Discrimination Grants roll out nationwide before National Fair Housing Month begins. As you know, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the act into law on April 11th, 1968, making discrimination in housing transactions illegal. Specifically, The Fair Housing Act prohibits inequity in housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, and familial status. 2023 marks the 55th anniversary of the landmark law.

Housing Discrimination: Who Gets the Grants?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently awarded 182 fair housing organizations across America under its (FHIP) fair housing initiatives program. $28,200,000 will support national, state, and local agencies to address fair housing violations and end bias in the housing industry. HUD Secretary, Marcia L. Fudge, says both renters and homeowners still experience “unconscionable prejudice”

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program puts money into communities to help them root out discrimination in housing.”

Marcia L. Fudge – HUD Secretary

Fudge also adds the agency (HUD) is pleased to offer resources to “combat inequity and build a fairer, more inclusive country for all.”

The Housing Discrimination Grants come as the one-year anniversary of The PAVE Action Plan nears. The plan represents the most wide-ranging set of commitments ever announced to advance equity in the home appraisal process. As for the grant funding, HUD says it will help awardees investigate, identify, and file Fair Housing complaints. In addition, the funding provides opportunities for educational outreach about rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act.

Again, HUD awards millions to end Housing Discrimination. Specifically, $14,575,000 will go to new organizations to fight bias in the housing industry. Also, another $26,350,000 to second- and third-year FY 2020 and FY 2021 multi-year grantees. Finally, an addition $3,000,000 is provided for community outreach. You can find a breakdown of the funding each state will receive here.

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners is committed to advancing housing choice. Click Here for a comprehensive list of fair housing resources, including a quick link to file a fair housing complaint.