HUD AWARDS MORE THAN $167,900 IN GRANTS TO COMBAT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION IN MONTANA

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded $167,900 to the Montana Fair Housing Inc., to assist people in Montana who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination.

Montana Fair Housing, Inc. (MFH) will use its grant to eliminate the impediments to fair housing. Activities include finding ways to identify discriminatory housing practices, and monitoring the design and construction of multifamily buildings to ensure they are accessible to persons with mobility limitations.

"We are pleased to provide the only federal grant support to private fair housing enforcement and education," said HUD's Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity John Trasviña. "Our local partners are essential to ending housing discrimination."

The competitive grants are funded through HUD's Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), and are part of nearly $41.18 million distributed nationwide to 99 fair housing organizations and other non-profit agencies in 35 states and the District of Columbia. The grants will be used to enforce the Fair Housing Act through investigation and testing of alleged discriminatory practices, and to educate housing providers, local governments and potential victims of housing discrimination about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. HUD had over $70 million in requests for FHIP, but funded only $41 million.

HUD is awarding FHIP grants to the following agency in Montana.

FHEO and its partners in the Fair Housing Assistance Program investigate more than 9,300 housing discrimination complaints annually. People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at (800) 669-9777 (voice), or (800) 927-9275 (TTY).

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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 asa 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.