Disclaimer: Affordable Housing Online is not affiliated with HUD, or any HUD agency.
Every week, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publishes news about important events within the agency. The following are summaries of news for the week of December 8, 2021:
- HUD to distribute more funds to fight COVID-19 related discrimination
- Nearly 50 Tribal communities get $52M for COVID-19 relief
HUD to distribute more funds to fight COVID-19 related discrimination
Date Posted: December 2, 2021
Last week, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced an additional $5.7 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding will be given to fight against COVID-19 related discrimination.
Last month, HUD gave $13.6 million from ARP funds to assist victims of housing discrimination connected to COVID-19.
What does this do for renters?
Organizations that receive this funding are allowed to use it on enforcement, education, and outreach for housing discrimination related to COVID-19. These funds can also “be used to respond to housing inquiries, conduct fair housing testing, provide legal assistance, and cover costs associated with providing services related to the pandemic,” according to HUD.
If you feel you have experienced discrimination, you can file a complaint by contacting HUD’s Office of Fair Housing at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (Relay). Housing discrimination complaints may also be filed here.
Agencies and organizations interested in applying for the additional funding can go here for more information. Applications to get this funding must be received by December 30, 2021.
Nearly 50 Tribal communities get $52M for COVID-19 relief
Date Posted: December 7, 2021
HUD has awarded $52 million in Indian Community Block Grant-American Rescue Plan (ICDBG-ARP) funding to 49 Tribal communities to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What does this do for renters?
HUD states the funding is to “help protect the health and safety of low to moderate income individuals and families by expanding access to safe housing, suitable living environment, and economic opportunities.”
This follows HUD’s award of $74 million in ICDBG-ARP grants to 68 Tribal communities in November. HUD will announce additional ICDBG-ARP awards on a rolling basis.