HUD Releases $3.3M to Fight Housing Discrimination


Groups can apply for funding that’s dedicated to fair housing education, outreach and enforcement – including fair housing testing and legal aid.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that it’s making an additional $3,285,353 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding available to help HUD’s Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) agencies combat housing discrimination related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organizations that qualify for the funding, awarded through FHIP’s Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) component, can use the money to conduct a range of fair housing enforcement, education and outreach activities, including addressing discriminatory practices in underserved communities.

It’s the third round of ARP funding that targets COVID-19 related discrimination. To date, about $16.1 million in ARP funding has been awarded to 62 FHIP agencies.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to reveal inequities in housing opportunities for many communities,” says Demetria L. McCain, HUD’s principal deputy assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity.

In addition to enforcement, education and outreach activities, the funding can be used to respond to housing inquiries, conduct fair housing testing, provide legal assistance, and cover costs associated with providing services related to the pandemic.

Applicants interested in applying for funding should go to Grants.gov to obtain a copy of the specific Notice of Funding Opportunity, forms, instructions, and other application materials. Additional information can be found on HUD’s website.

Applications must be received by May 5, 2022.

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