June 8, 2022
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has been very active on the Fair Housing front in 2022. A June 2022 press release by HUD announces even more funding to combat violations of the Fair Housing Act such as illegal discrimination in the housing process.
Why so much activity in 2022? It’s thanks in part to language in the American Rescue Plan of 2021, which acknowledges that “fair housing enforcement and education and outreach services are an essential component of protecting persons from housing discrimination” in the United States.
The latest move in supporting fair housing enforcement and awareness? HUD’s announcement of funding support for Fair Housing organizations “working to end housing discrimination” according to the press release.
The funding is made possible via the HUD Fair Housing Initiatives Plan or FHIP.
FHIP money under this program is intended to serve as “emergency relief to fair housing organizations” to help them handle fair housing complaints, investigations, and education.
Who is receiving these funds? In this case, it’s the Fair Housing Council of Suburban Philadelphia “will receive $125,000 to expand its capacity to respond to increased volume of complaint inquires and allegations of discrimination” for typical Fair Housing complaints, and also for those filed during and related to the coronavirus pandemic.
There are other agencies that benefit from federal funding like this. According to the HUD press release, more than $16 thousand has been awarded in Private Enforcement Initiative — American Rescue Plan funding.
That money went to 62 “Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations” and Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations.
Why do we report on these HUD efforts? Because discrimination at any stage of the housing process has a negative effect on the entire industry.
Those who are denied housing or access to loans for housing due to non-financial factors such as race, gender identity, national origin, or other discriminatory excuses are often the only people with the power to prevent future abuses.
What does this mean? Simply that the victims of housing discrimination can help prevent it from happening again by reporting the illegal activity to HUD.
HUD investigates Fair Housing complaints, but you may have a limited window of opportunity to file. It’s best to lodge a Fair Housing complaint with HUD as soon as possible after the violation occurs.
When you make your complaint, be sure to include as much information as possible including the date and time of the incident, the names of all involved, any applicable company names such as a property management agency, and contact information for all parties.
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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