May 21, 2021
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced a Voluntary Compliance Agreement (VCA) to settle housing discrimination complaints over accessibility in federally-funded housing.
A press release on the HUD official site says the agency had investigated allegations of discrimination and a lack of accessible facilities with the Rio Plata Housing Development and the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority (PRHFA).
The agreement “leverages a federal $2.5 million PRHFA-awarded Housing Trust Fund grant to bring the Rio Plata Housing Development into compliance with federal accessibility requirements” according to the HUD official site.
This case was the result of accusations of housing discrimination and inaccessible housing–conditions that resulted in at least one resident unable to use a bedroom or bathroom in her home for years due to a mobility issue.
PRFHA had previously agreed (in 2017) to “remove accessibility barriers from affordable housing developments across its portfolio” and bring properties into compliance with federal accessibility regulations.
Under the terms of the VCA, Rio Plata, which provides affordable housing, is required to pay $100,000 in relief to resolve the discrimination complaint.
“HUD is committed to overcoming and redressing this Nation’s history of housing discrimination and we will deliver on this promise for the residents of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,” said Jeanine Worden, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, who was quoted in the press release.
Worden adds, “Those who accept HUD funds to provide affordable housing make a commitment to not discriminate and that means delivering housing that is accessible for persons with disabilities and their families. We will ensure these commitments are kept.”.
This is another example of how HUW enforces the Fair Housing Act. Federal law forbids discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.
Also a violation of federal law? Discrimination against persons with disabilities by not providing accessibility in programs, activities, services, and facilities that receive federal funds.
If you have experienced discrimination in housing, file a complaint with the HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (Federal Relay Service).
Joe Wallace has been specializing in military and personal finance topics since 1995. His work has appeared on Air Force Television News, The Pentagon Channel, ABC and a variety of print and online publications. He is a 13-year Air Force veteran and a member of the Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association. He was Managing editor for www.valoans.com for (8) years and is currently the Associate Editor for FHANewsblog.com.
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