HUD AWARDS OKLAHOMA CITY $325,000 TO FIGHT HOUSING AND LENDING DISCRIMINATION
Metropolitan Fair Housing Council of Oklahoma, Inc Receives Grant

OKLAHOMA CITY - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded the Metropolitan Fair Housing Council of Oklahoma, Inc, a $324,808 grant to educate the public and combat housing and lending discrimination.

Nationally, a total of $40.8 million was awarded to 108 fair housing organizations and non-profit agencies in 36 states and the District of Columbia, a $13.2 million increase over last year's award. Ten million dollars of that will fund activities that address lending discrimination, including mortgage rescue scams targeted to minorities.

"The record increase in support to local fair housing and community organizations demonstrates the Obama Administration's firm commitment to ending housing discrimination and providing help to families victimized by mortgage scams," stated HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

The grants announced today are 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 Metropolitan Fair Housing Council of Oklahoma, Inc. (MFHC) will specifically use its $324,808 Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) grant to conduct complaint intake services; to provide complaint-based tests (rental, sales, lending) and systemic tests, and to conduct disability accessibility audits of covered, multi-family housing. MFHC will also partner with public and private organizations in Oklahoma to provide education about fair housing/fair lending practices; renters' rights; reasonable accommodation in housing for the disabled; and foreclosure prevention and loss mitigation to increase homeownership, rental opportunities and help prevent homelessness.

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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.