HUD AWARDS GRANT TO CONTINUE FIGHT AGAINST HOUSING BIAS

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded the Pine Tree Legal Assistance a $220,000 grant
to help reduce housing discrimination in Maine. The funding is part of more than $18 million awarded nationwide.

"Awarding this grant is another step toward ensuring everyone has equal access to safe and affordable housing,"
said HUD Regional Director Taylor Caswell. "We will not allow discrimination to stop families across from living in any home, apartment or neighborhood they can afford."

The grant was awarded through HUD's Fair Housing Initiatives Program to investigate allegations of housing discrimination, educate the public and housing industry about housing discrimination laws, and work to promote fair housing.

The Fair Housing Act bars housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status
and national origin. The Act covers the sale, rental, financing and advertising of almost all housing in the nation.
Fair housing investigations are conducted by HUD investigators, state and city agencies working with HUD, and private fair housing groups that receive HUD funds. Anyone who believes they have experienced housing
discrimination is asked to call HUD's Housing Discrimination Hotline at 1-800-669-9777, TDD 1-800-927-9275. They can also visit HUD's fair housing website at www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

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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