Federal Judge Directs HUD to Unlock $32M for Fair Housing Programs

Despite the enactment of the Fair Housing Act (FHA) in 1968, housing discrimination remains a significant issue in the United States. Complaints of unfair housing practices surged to an unprecedented 33,007 in 2022, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Notably, private fair housing organizations, rather than the federal government, are responsible for handling most discrimination cases nationwide. A recent federal court ruling mandated the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to disburse nearly $32 million in previously appropriated funds to support fair housing enforcement. This decision followed a lawsuit that challenged HUD’s initial refusal. Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan emphasized the immediate harm caused by HUD's delays. Consequently, HUD outlined a swift distribution plan for these funds, commencing a 23-day grant application window. The National Fair Housing Alliance, alongside local partners, heralded this as a vital success, though they cautioned that threats to fair housing enforcement endure. (Photo: The Observer)