Today (Feb. 9) the Obama Administration announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), would be awarding $7.5 million dollars in funds to state and local governments that enforce fair housing laws and to educate the public about their fair housing rights and responsibilities.
The move will also go to promote the federal government's new Equal Access to Housing regulation which ensures that all core HUD housing programs are accessible to all eligible individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The regulation was cited as a major LGBTQ victory as it establishes the first federal assurances that public housing programs will not discriminate against applicants based on their sexual orientation or gender identities. The official HUD regulations also went on to acknowledge that LGBTQ citizens face unfair discrimination and exclusion in housing opportunities within the private sector.
HUD's new regulations also says that, "...the prohibition precludes owners and operators of HUD-assisted housing or housing whose financing is insured by HUD from inquiring about the sexual orientation or gender identity of an applicant for, or occupant of, the dwelling, whether renter- or owner-occupied."
In awarding the funds, which are provided through HUD’s Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP), HUD is responding to requests and suggestions fromstate and local government agencies that are seeking to partner with organizations that will assist in fair housing enforcement and outreach. The funds will help local communities learn more about their fair housing rights and housing providers meet their fair housing obligations, including those related to HUD’s new Equal Access to Housing regulation.
Missouri received a total of $209,907 dispersed among agencies in Kansas City, Jefferson City and Saint Louis. Saint Louis received the least amount of funds with only $42,758 going towards the Saint Louis Civil Rights Enforcement Agency.
