PITTSBURGH NATIVE NAMED THE NATIONS TOP FAIR HOUSING OFFICIAL
Kendrick to lead HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

WASHINGTON - The Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced that Pennsylvania native Kim Kendrick has been sworn in by HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson as the nation's top fair housing official. President George W. Bush nominated Kendrick after she served as Senior Counselor to Jackson, advising and representing the Secretary on a wide variety of HUD programs, policies and strategies.

'There is no better person than Kim to lead this Department in its effort to educate and enforce the nation's fair housing laws,' said Jackson. 'Her dedication, commitment, vision, and wealth of experience convince me that HUD will continue to be the leader in working toward building communities where people get to choose when and where they want to live fairly.'

As Assistant Secretary of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Kendrick will be responsible for the creating equal housing opportunities for all persons living in America by administering laws that prohibit discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and familial status. In addition, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity administers federal laws and establishes national policies that make sure all Americans have equal access to the housing of their choice.

'I am truly honored to serve this Administration as the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. I am committed to our continuing mission to ensure equal access to housing for all Americans.' said Kendrick.

Kendrick, who was confirmed by the Senate on October 7, became well versed in the full spectrum of housing issues while she served as a Regional Administrator for the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA). Ms. Kendrick was responsible for the administration and management of one-third of the DCHA's inventory, which was comprised of approximately 2,500 public housing units, housing 10,000 residents and 150 employees.

Prior to her tenure as Regional Administrator, Ms. Kendrick served, from 1995 to 1998, in various capacities of legal counsel to the DCHA . As general counsel, she worked on a broad range of issues including designing and staffing the housing authority's Office of the General Counsel and its Office of Risk Management. Kendrick's counsel helped to remove the DCHA from HUD's 'troubled list' when the agency was under a judicial receivership.

Kendrick received her bachelor of arts in Sociology from Bowdoin in Brunswick, Maine and her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh Law School. Her parents continue to reside in Pittsburgh.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, and people with disabilities. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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NOTE: People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at (800) 669-9777 or the Department of Justice at (800) 896-7743 or 202-514-4713. Additional information is available on the Internet and www.usdoj.gov.