Protection & Advocacy Receives Grant To Combat Housing Discrimination In New Mexico

P&A was one of sixty-two organizations from more than two hundred applications selected to receive funding under the 1999 Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $15 million in grants to groups in 53 cities to help them fight housing discrimination.

"Housing discrimination is an ugly part of our past that we must eliminate once and for all in the 21st century," said Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo. "HUD is working in partnership with groups around the country to achieve this goal."

P&A has been awarded a two-year grant to investigate allegations of housing discrimination, conduct testing to uncover housing discrimination, review new multi-family complexes for accessibility, educate the public and housing industry about housing discrimination laws, and work to promote fair housing state-wide.

The Fair Housing Act bars housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. The Act covers the sale, rental, financing, and advertising of almost all housing in the nation. As a recipient, P&A will work with HUD investigators, state and city agencies to combat housing discrimination against persons with disabilities and create opportunities for all persons to build a better life.

If you or someone you know have experienced housing discrimination on the basis of disability please call:

New Mexico Protection & Advocacy System

256-3100 (in Albuquerque)

1-800-432-4682 (state-wide toll-free)

Voice and TDD

On Line: www.nmprotection-advocacy.com