NEWPORT NEWS ORGANIZATIONS WINS HUD GRANT TO HELP FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded the Office of Human Affairs
in Newport News has won a $60,415 to promote public awareness of rights and responsibilities under the Fair
Housing Act. The grant was the result of a nationwide contribution through which HUD awarded $18.1 million to
more than 100 organizations across the country to help reduce housing discrimination.

Funded under HUD's Fair Housing Initiatives Program, the grants are used to investigate allegations of housing discrimination, educate the public and housing industry about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act, and work to promote equal housing opportunities.

"These grants will help us continue our efforts to educate the public and housing industry about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act," said Kim Kendrick, HUD's Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "No one should be denied the opportunity to live where they want because of how they look, or the religion they practice, or because they have a disability."

In this year's competition, the Office of Human Affairs won a FHIA Education & Outreach Grant which provides for educating the public and housing providers about their rights and obligations under federal, state, and local fair housing laws. It is the third straight year that the Office has won a FHIP grant from HUD.

HUD received applications from 268 groups seeking grants, a 7 percent increase over fiscal year 2005, out of that group, 102 winners were chosen based on a number of criteria, which included the demonstration of results and program evaluation.

FHEO and its partners in the Fair Housing Assistance Program investigate approximately 9,000 housing discrimination complaints annually. People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD
at (800) 669-9777 (voice), (800) 927-9275 (TTY). Additional information is available at www.hud.gov/fairhousing. Stay on top of the most up-to-date news regarding the Fair Housing Act by signing up for the FHEO RSS Feed.

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