HUD AWARDS $101,400 TO SUPPORT FAIR HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS IN OREGON

PORTLAND - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the award of $101,400 to the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries for two partnerships projects in Oregon to enforce fair housing laws and increase partner and public awareness of their rights and responsibilities under those laws. The funds, part of more than $7.5 million distributed nationwide today, also will help promote HUD's new Equal Access to Housing regulation, which ensures that HUD housing and programs are open to all families, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status.

"Today's announcement demonstrates the Obama Administration's commitment to ending housing discrimination, no matter what form it takes," said John Trasviña, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "With these funds, state and local government agencies on the front line of the fight will be able to continue their efforts to take on today's many fair housing challenges."

"Our Department and our partners have long been committed to developing even more effective ways to insure that our citizens and communities are fully aware of their rights and their obligations under fair housing laws," said HUD Northwest Regional Administrator, Mary McBride. "The new partnerships for which we are providing funds today will offer innovative, community-based strategies to advance that continuing effort."

The two partnership projects will be administered by the Bureau of Labor & Industries:

• In the first partnership project, BOLI will receive $1,400 to partner with the National Center for Lesbian Rights insane Francisco to conduct a one-day training this spring to publicize HUD's Equal Access tp Housing Rule. The event will target the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans-gendered(LGBT) community, fair housing advocates, and housing providers.
  
  
• In the second partnership project, BOLI will receive $100,000 to partner with the Fair Housing Council of Oregon in Portland to conduct LGBT fair housing testing in the State of Oregon. Ninety fair housing tests will be conducted.

In awarding the funds, which are provided through HUD's Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP), HUD is responding to requests and suggestions from state and local government agencies that are seeking to partner with organizations that will assist in fair housing enforcement and outreach. The funds will help local communities learn more about their fair housing rights and housing providers meet their fair housing obligations, including those related to HUD's new Equal Access to Housing regulation.

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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.