MISSISSIPPI CENTER FOR LEGAL SERVICES, INC AWARDED $275,000
GRANT TO HELP FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION

JACKSON - Mississippi Center for Legal Services, Inc. today received a grant of $275,000. Mississippi Center for
Legal Services, Inc. was selected by The Department of Housing and Urban Development, which awarded $18.1
million in grants to 102 groups in 85 cities throughout the nation to help reduce housing discrimination.

The grants, funded through HUD's Fair Housing Initiatives Program, will be used to investigate allegations of housing discrimination, educate the public and housing industry about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act, and work to promote equal housing opportunities.

"These grants will help us continue our efforts to educate the public and housing industry about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act," said Kim Kendrick, HUD's Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "No one should be denied the opportunity to live where they want because of how they look, or the religion they practice, or because they have a disability."

Grants were awarded under one of two initiatives:

• Private Enforcement Initiative grants (PEI) - HUD awarded $13.9 million to assist groups in the
  investigation and enforcement of alleged violations of the Fair Housing Act and substantially equivalent
  state and local fair housing laws.
  
  
• Education and Outreach Initiative grants (EOI) - HUD awarded $4.2 million to groups that educate
  the public and housing providers about their rights and obligations under federal, state, and local fair
  housing laws.

Mississippi Center for Legal Services, Inc. was awarded a Private Enforcement Initiative grant.

HUD received applications from 268 groups seeking grants, a 7% increase over fiscal year 2005. Out of that group, 102 winners were chosen based on a number of criteria, which included the demonstration of results and program evaluation. Grants were awarded to fair housing organizations in the following states:

FHEO and its partners in the Fair Housing Assistance Program investigate approximately 9,000 housing discrimination complaints annually. People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777 (voice), 800-927-9275 (TTY). Stay on top of the most up-to-date news regarding the Fair Housing Act by signing up for the FHEO RSS Feed.

NOTE: A list of all grant recipients is available on the HUD website.