HUD AND CIVIL RIGHTS PARTNERS CONTINUE FIGHT AGAINST HOUSING DISCRIMINATION AMIDST RECENT NATURAL DISASTERS

MIAMI - The Department of Housing and Urban Development, in partnership with Human Rights and civil rights advocates in the State of Florida released a Hurricane Flyer in English and Spanish (attached), complete with a
listing of local fair housing agencies throughout the state.

The distribution of this information stems from the disastrous 2004 Hurricane Season where Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne and Tropical Storm Bonnie, have wrought destruction from wind, rain and flooding in many areas of Florida.

Whether a victim of this year's storms or not, this information will help the public obtain and access decent, safe
and affordably-priced housing while learning more about the protections and requirements provided by the Fair Housing laws.

"Today's announcement is another step toward ensuring that Americans have equal access to safe and affordable housing," said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson. "We will not allow discrimination to stop families across this nation from living in any home, apartment or neighborhood they can afford, nor will we allow victims of recent disasters to
be taken advantage of in their time of need."

HUD has sent assessment teams to public housing authorities, inspected and identified vacant, safe, structurally sound FHA single and multi-family HUD-held properties for use by disaster victims, and has been working with
various federal agencies and community officials regarding recovery efforts and resources.

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 as
well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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