HUD No. FHEO 07-01 Jane Goin (303) 672-5440 |
For Release Wednesday October 17, 2007 |
THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARDED $99,887 GRANT TO HELP FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
DENVER - The American Institute for Social Justice (AISJ) today received a grant of $99,887. The grant will
conduct education and outreach to underserved population, including families with children, in urban and suburban areas of Denver metropolitan area. Specific areas that will be targeted include underserved minority and immigrant communities, particularly those with limited English proficiency. In carrying out its education and outreach
activities, AISJ will work with community groups and faith-based organization. AISJ was selected by The
Department of Housing and Urban Development, which awarded 88 grants totaling $17.1 million to recipients in 37 states and the District of Columbia to help fight housing discrimination.
"Last year there were a record 10,328 housing discrimination complaints filed with HUD and its state and local partners," said Kim Kendrick, HUD's Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "These grants will allow us to continue with efforts to educate the public and the housing industry about their rights and
responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act."
The grants, funded through HUD's Fair Housing Initiatives Program, 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.
This year's grants were awarded under one of two initiatives:
- Private Enforcement Initiative grants (PEI) - HUD awarded $14 million to help groups 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 $3.1 million to groups that educate
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 9,000 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). Stay on top of the most up-to-date news regarding the Fair Housing Act
by signing up for the FHEO RSS Feed.
NOTE: A list of all the grant recipients is available on the HUD website.
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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities;
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 and espanol.hud.gov.