FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   FOR MORE INFORMATION, Contact
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 Kevan Chapman
Communications Director
(202) 225-3831

Ehlers Helps Secure $824K to Fight Housing Discrimination in West Michigan

 

HUD grant to promote diversity, ensure fair access to housing

 
 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan has been awarded a three-year performance-based grant by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) totaling almost $824,000. Three-year grants are awarded to select higher-performing housing assistance centers around the country. The grants are issued annually to other housing centers.

 

      “I am delighted that the Fair Housing Center was able to secure a three-year grant from HUD. Fighting housing discrimination has been one of my priorities in Congress, and I am happy that I was able to help expand this grant program,” said Congressman Ehlers. “The longer period of grant distribution will allow the Fair Housing Center to make great, long-term strides in fighting discrimination.”

 

      The Fair Housing Center, led by Executive Director Nancy Haynes, will receive $274,603 each year for the next three years to fight systemic housing discrimination related to race and disability.

 

     “This multi-year grant will enable the Fair Housing Center to not only handle the growing number of housing discrimination complaints we continue to receive, but will also make it possible for the Center to partner with the housing industry and our community to address housing discrimination on a more systemic level” said Nancy Haynes. “With the allocation of three years of federal funding, Fair Housing Center staff can focus on long term strategies that lead to increased awareness of fair housing rights and obligations as well as compliance with federal, state and local fair housing laws throughout West Michigan.”

 

     “The Center is so grateful to the community for its support and to Congressman Ehlers for all that he has done to make fair housing a reality in West Michigan,” added Haynes. “He has been a long-time member of the Center and has worked hard on a national level to ensure adequate national funding for fair housing, making it possible for HUD to give three year grants.  The Center looks forward to honoring that commitment by enhancing and expanding services to ensure housing choice throughout West Michigan.”

 
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