HUD AWARDS $97,500 TO FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION IN FLORIDA

MIAMI - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that it has awarded $21,500 to the Broward County Human Rights Section (BCHRS), and $76,068 to the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission (JHRC) to enforce fair housing laws and help communities and housing providers to better understand their fair housing rights and responsibilities. The funds, part of more than $7.5 million distributed nationwide today, will also be used to promote the Department's new Equal Access to Housing regulation, which ensures that HUD housing and programs are open to all families, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.

"Today's announcement demonstrates the Obama Administration's commitment to ending housing discrimination, no matter what form it takes," said John Trasviña, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "With these funds, state and local government agencies on the front line of the fight will be able to continue their efforts to take on today's many fair housing challenges."

BCHRS will partner with Housing Opportunities Project for Excellence (HOPE) to expand fair housing education and outreach to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons and to create a forum for training identified conciliation groups in fair housing matters. JHRC will partner with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid to develop a comprehensive fair housing outreach and education program specifically targeting fair housing issues affecting the disabled community. Also, JHRC plans to form partnerships with the City of Jacksonville's Office of Military Affairs - Veterans and Disabled Services for fair housing outreach and education.

In awarding the funds, which are provided through HUD's Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP), HUD is responding to requests and suggestions from state and local government agencies that are seeking to partner with organizations that will assist in fair housing enforcement and outreach. The funds will help local communities learn more about their fair housing rights and housing providers meet their fair housing obligations, including those related to HUD's new Equal Access to Housing regulation. Read project descriptions for each grant.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.