Pennsylvania Fair Housing Organizations Receiving Grants from HUD

Five Pennsylvania fair housing organizations are receiving nearly $2.25 million under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Fair Housing Initiatives Program. HUD is awarding grants totaling more than $54 million to organizations in 42 states to fight housing discrimination.

The grant funding will allow the organizations to provide fair housing enforcement by conducting investigations, testing to identify discrimination in the rental and sales markets and filing fair housing complaints with HUD or equivalent state and local agencies. In addition, the organizations will conduct education and outreach activities to inform the public, housing providers and local governments about rights and responsibilities that exist under the Fair Housing Act.

The Fair Housing Council of Suburban Philadelphia will receive two grants, $125,000 for education and outreach initiatives and $425,000 for private enforcement initiatives (multiyear, year 3) to carry out testing and enforcement activities to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices.

The Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh was awarded $425,000 for private enforcement initiatives (multiyear).

The Fair Housing Rights Center in Southeastern Pennsylvania is also receiving $425,000 for private enforcement initiatives (multiyear, year 3).

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Services is receiving three different grants, $125,000 for general education and outreach initiatives, $100,000 for targeted education and $425,000 for private enforcement initiatives (multiyear, year 3).

Two grants were awarded to Tenfold (formerly Tabor Community Services), $124,998 for general education initiatives and $75,000 for sexual orientation/gender identity education.

“Far too many families in our country still face unconscionable prejudice, both as renters and homeowners,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “The Fair Housing Initiatives Program puts money into communities to help them root out discrimination in housing. I am pleased to provide our state and local partners with the resources they need to combat inequity and build a fairer, more inclusive country for all.”