BUSH ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $363,378 IN NEW FAIR HOUSING GRANTS TO CONTINUE FIGHT AGAINST HOUSING BIAS IN NEW JERSEY

NEWARK, NJ - The Department of Housing and Urban Development's fight against illegal housing discrimination in America got a boost today with the announcement of $363,378 to two fair housing groups in New Jersey.

"These fair housing grants will help meet the Bush Administration's goal of increasing minority homeownership by 5.5 million families by the end of the decade," explained Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez. "Every American should have equal access to housing opportunities and today's announcement is another step in that direction."

Martinez said the fair housing grants will help meet the Bush Administration's goal of increasing minority homeownership by 5.5 million families by the end of the decade, by removing barriers of prejudice that act as a roadblock to minority homeownership.

The groups will use the funds to investigate allegations of housing discrimination, educate the public and housing industry about housing discrimination laws, and work to promote fair housing. The grants are funded under HUD's
Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP).

The following organizations in New Jersey will receive funding:

• Citizen Action of New Jersey - $88,378.62
• Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey - $275,000

The assistance is part of $20.3 million in HUD fair housing grants being awarded to partner organizations around the country. HUD received applications from 225 groups for the fiscal year 2002 assistance. FHIP grants went to 99 groups in 43 states and the District of Columbia.

A recent HUD study shows that housing discrimination has gone down over the last decade in America but still
exists at unacceptable levels. Discrimination in Metropolitan Housing Markets: Phase I, researched in 20 metropolitan areas nationwide, shows that housing discrimination against African Americans and Hispanics looking to buy a home
is down more than 25 percent since 1989. For those seeking to rent a unit, housing discrimination against African Americans is down 18 percent, but is unchanged for Hispanics.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities, creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans, 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.

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Anyone who believes they have experienced housing discrimination is asked to call HUD's Housing Discrimination Hotline at (800) 669-9777.