HUD AWARDS $887,683 IN GRANTS TO FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
Four Massachusetts agencies to receive Fair Housing Initiatives Program Funding

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development yesterday awarded $887,683 to fair housing organizations and other non-profit agencies in Massachusetts to assist people who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination

The grants 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 categories Massachusetts grants were awarded in are:

• Private Enforcement Initiative grants (PEI) - HUD awarded $787,683.33 in Massachusetts 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 $100,000 to the Fair Housing Center
  of Greater Boston to assist in educating 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 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 online. Stay on top of the most up-to-date news regarding the Fair Housing Act by signing up for the FHEO RSS Feed.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; 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 ad enforces the nation's
fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.