HUD AWARDS $813,183 TO NEW HAMPSHIRE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO COMBAT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION

BOSTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded $813,183 to New Hampshire Legal Assistance to assist people in New Hampshire who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination. 

New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) will use the Fair Housing Initiative Program funds to sustain and expand its statewide fair housing operation. They will conduct systemic testing and provide phone-assisted counsel and advice or full legal representation, as applicable, to those in need of fair housing assistance. They will expand their work to identify and develop cases and strategies that help address systemic issues identified in the 2010 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice in New Hampshire. NHLA will also work to reinforce obligations of affirmatively furthering fair housing, and to build fair housing capacity and knowledge. Founded in 1971, NHLA is a statewide legal aid organization dedicated to providing high quality legal services to vulnerable low-income and elderly clients.  NHLA has received statewide recognition for the expertise of its attorneys in fair housing law, landlord/tenant law, state and federal housing subsidy regulations, and homelessness prevention.

"Our local partners are essential to ending housing discrimination," said Barbara Fields, HUD New England Regional Administrator. "This grant will enable New Hampshire Legal Assistance to help HUD enforce fair housing laws, and make people more aware of their rights."

The grant announced today is 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. The grant was awarded under the Private Enforcement Initiative.

People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at (800) 669-9777 (voice), (800) 927-9275 (TTY). Housing discrimination complaints may also be filed by going to www.hud.gov/fairhousing, or by downloading HUD's free housing discrimination mobile application, which can be accessed through Apple devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

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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 at @HUDnews or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.