HUD AWARDS $1.3 MILLION IN GRANTS TO FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION IN FLORIDA

MIAMI - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded $1.3 million to six fair housing organizations and other non-profit agencies in Florida to assist people who believe they have been victims of
housing discrimination (see chart below). The funding is part of $26.3 million awarded nationwide.

The grants announced today 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 grants awarded nationwide are in the following categories:

• Private Enforcement Initiative grants (PEI) - HUD awarded $21.1 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.
• Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI) - HUD awarded $2.1 million to groups that serve rural and immigrant populations in areas where there currently is no existing fair housing organization, or are otherwise underserved.

The awards include $3 million to eight groups to conduct enforcement and education and outreach activities that
will address lending discrimination.

A list of all grant recipients is listed at www.hud.gov.

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 at www.hud.gov/fairhousing. Stay on top of the most up-to-date news regarding the Fair Housing Act by signing up
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Florida Grants: