Funds Support Fair Housing Initiatives, Combat Discrimination
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced that the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will allocate funding to address housing discrimination in Western New York through the Fair Housing Initiatives Program.
Amounting to $360,000, this funding will be distributed to Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME), Inc., an independent non-profit organization based in Buffalo. Established in 1963, HOME has spent decades providing comprehensive services for victims of housing discrimination across Western New York. The award will fund a 36-month project undertaken by HOME covering Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus Chautauqua, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties in New York.
Higgins said, “Ensuring access to equal housing opportunities is essential for overcoming the systemic ills of redlining and segregation that undermine racial justice in the United States. By gathering and reviewing evidence of housing discrimination and counseling individuals on their housing rights and options under federal, state, and local laws, HOME continues to be on the front lines of the fight for fair and equitable housing.”
HOME’s broader vision includes support for victims of housing discrimination, educating the community on fair housing laws, and striving toward fair housing opportunities for all. HOME seeks to promote the value of diversity and to ensure the people of Western New York have an equal opportunity to live in the housing and communities of their choice.
M. DeAnna Eason, Executive Director for Housing Opportunities Made Equal said, “During the challenging times we are currently facing, this funding is incredibly important to sustain the work of fair housing. With the unwavering support of our members and community partners, HOME will continue to fight for the eradication of discrimination in housing.”
With the financial assistance provided through this federal grant, HOME will have the ability to conduct 1,800 intake interviews and record and investigate 450 cases of housing discrimination throughout the Western New York region. Beyond this, this federal funding will help the organization to pursue objectives such as: assisting clients with reasonable accommodations or modifications, mediating complaints, coordinating partnerships with organizations to promote fair housing laws, hosting fair housing workshops, disseminating information about affordable housing and creating guidance for landlords on developing a fair policy for considering eviction records.
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