HOPE Fair Housing Center gets federal funding
The Wheaton-based HOPE Fair Housing Center will receive $124,980 in federal funding aimed at reducing housing discrimination in the Chicago area and assisting people who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination.
The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Fair Housing Initiatives Program, which is providing a total of $1,099,629, according to a news release from U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin.
Other area organizations to receive funding are Chicago's Latin United Community Housing Association ($125,000); Homewood's South Suburban Housing Center ($125,000); and Chicago's The John Marshall Law School ($124,989).
"Families searching for a new place to live should not have to worry about being denied access to safe housing because of what they look like or where they're from," Duckworth said in a written statement.
"This funding will help community organizations in the Chicagoland area continue their work to ensure every family has equal opportunity to rent, buy or finance a safe and affordable home."
"While much progress has been made, it is unacceptable that many families and individuals in our communities still face discrimination when it comes to finding housing," Durbin said.
"This federal funding will give organizations in Illinois much-needed resources to continue their important work of ensuring that no one is turned away from a home because of who they are."
FHIP funds are used to increase compliance with the Fair Housing Act. Funding is available under three initiatives: Private Enforcement, Fair Housing Organization and Education and Outreach Initiatives.
HUD's FHIP organizations help people identify government agencies that handle complaints of housing discrimination. They also conduct preliminary investigations of claims, including sending testers to properties suspected of practicing housing discrimination.
In addition to funding organizations that provide direct assistance to individuals who feel they have been discriminated against while attempting to purchase or rent housing, FHIP also has initiatives that promote fair housing laws and equal housing opportunity awareness.