HUD AWARDS MORE THAN $324,000 IN GRANTS TO COMBAT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION IN VERMONT

BOSTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded more than $324,987 to Vermont Legal Aid, Inc. to assist people in Vermont who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination. (See Vermont grantee information below).

Vermont Grantee

Burlington - Vermont Legal Aid, Inc.
Private Enforcement Initiative – Multi-Year
Component - $324,987
Vermont Legal Aid (VLA) will use its grant to conduct a full service, coordinated and comprehensive fair housing program of testing, targeted private enforcement actions, broad systemic investigation, engagement with the land use and transportation planning process, and collaborative efforts to raise public awareness of housing discrimination in Vermont, including public education and advocacy in the State legislature and administrative agencies and in the media.

"We are pleased to provide the only federal grant support to private fair housing enforcement and education," said HUD's New England Regional Administrator Barbara Fields. "Our local 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 distributed nationwide to 99 fair housing organizations and other non-profit 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 under the Fair Housing Act. HUD had over $70 million in requests for FHIP, but funded only $41 million.

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).

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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.