Press Releases

Today Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) in announcing $1,873,778 in new federal funding for fair housing initiatives in Massachusetts. The funding comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and includes $300,000 for Community Legal Aid, Inc. in Worcester. The grant is through the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) to assist victims of housing discrimination. More information about this federal grant program is available at HUD's website here.

"Every family needs a roof over their head and a safe place to call home. Community Legal Aid in Worcester and fair housing organizations across Massachusetts play a vital role in our communities by working to prevent discrimination in housing," Congressman McGovern said. "In 2016, it is unthinkable that anyone would be denied housing because of their race, gender, religion, or national origin. This new federal funding will help so many families by supporting the great work local organizations are doing to protect equal access to housing for everyone in Massachusetts. I am grateful to HUD for this strong investment and look forward to seeing all the good it will do in our communities."

"Everyone in this country deserves a fighting chance to build a future, but housing discrimination undermines our communities and makes it harder for families to climb the economic ladder," Senator Warren said. "We have an obligation to combat segregation, and to ensure that a safe and affordable home is in reach for all our families. I'm happy this federal funding will help organizations across the Commonwealth that are doing outstanding work providing assistance to people facing discrimination."
 
"The Fair Housing Initiatives Program is an integral part of the ongoing federal effort to remove the vestiges of discrimination from our housing system. Every citizen in Massachusetts and across the country has the right to live in the home and community they have earned. I am proud that these Massachusetts programs are receiving funding to continue working towards this goal," said Senator Markey.

Organizations in Massachusetts receiving awards include:

• Community Legal Aid, Inc. (Worcester) - $300,000
• Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston (Boston) - $300,000
• HAP, Inc. (Springfield) - $125,000
• Massachusetts Fair Housing Center, Inc. (Holyoke) - $300,000
• SouthCoast Fair Housing, Inc. (New Bedford) - $425,000
• Suffolk University (Boston) - $423,778

More information about this federal grant program is available at HUD's website here.

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