HUD Archives: News Releases

HUD AWARDS $324,800 TO OKLAHOMA CITY TO FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
Metropolitan Fair Housing Council of Oklahoma, Inc. receives a Fair Housing Initiative Program Grant

OKLAHOMA CITY - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded $324,800 to the Metropolitan Fair Housing Council of Oklahoma, Inc., to assist people in Oklahoma City who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination.

"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 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 that was distributed today nationwide to 99 fair housing organizations and other nonprofit 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.

The grant announced today to Metropolitan Fair Housing Council of Oklahoma, Inc. (MFHC) is a Private Enforcement Initiative Grant for $324,808. MFHC will use these funds to investigate fair housing discrimination throughout Oklahoma. MFHC also will partner with public and private organizations in Oklahoma to educate about fair housing, fair lending practices, renters rights, foreclosure prevention, rental opportunities, and loss mitigation to increase homeownership and to help prevent homelessness.

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).

###

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 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.