TOLEDO (October 29, 2014) -- Congresswoman Kaptur today announced federal awards totaling $775,000 for the Toledo Fair Housing Center to fight foreclosure and mortgage abuse in the city.

Kaptur made the announcement along with Michael Marsh, president and CEO of Fair Housing Opportunities of Northwest Ohio, at the North Toledo residence of a homeowner who was helped by the federal programs.

“I am so pleased to announce these awards for the Fair Housing Center, which is the main line of defense for struggling homeowners in Toledo,” Congresswoman Kaptur said.

“The Fair Housing Center is helping stabilize neighborhoods and rebuild our city through its staunch defense of homeowners against foreclosure and mortgage abuse.”
“It is imperative that the federal government support fair housing activities,” Mr. Marsh said.

“This funding is critical because while passing the Fair Housing Act demonstrated the government’s belief in equal housing opportunity, offering no means for funding fair housing activities would simply make the law a paper tiger. Just as the Civil Rights Act of 1866 lay dormant for almost a full century, lack of monetary support would render the Fair Housing Act just as futile.  By providing funding, the government makes clear its commitment to fair housing.”

The Fair Housing Center received a $325,000 annual award for victim assistance, complaint investigation, outreach, monitoring and foreclosure prevention.  In addition, it will receive $325,000 to remedy mortgage abuses that have led to the foreclosure epidemic. The center seeks to prevent foreclosures by assisting homeowners with delinquent mortgages and taxes.

A third grant, for $125,000, will facilitate education and outreach by the Fair Housing Center.
 

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