Menendez, Booker Announce $500K in Federal Funding to Fight Housing Discrimination in New Jersey

Press Release

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate's housing subcommittee, and Cory Booker today announced that a combined $500,000 in grants have been awarded to non-profit organizations that assist people who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP).

"In the 21st Century, there is no place for discrimination of any kind. The impact of housing discrimination on families and communities throughout our state can be detrimental," said Sen. Menendez. "This important federal funding will help ensure organizations can help New Jersayans who fall victim to housing discrimination and can continue fighting against discriminatory and unfair housing practices"

"As someone whose family owes so much to the tireless work of advocates like Lee Porter and the Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey, I know firsthand how critical their mission is to opening doors for all New Jerseyans," said Sen. Booker. "Since my days as a housing advocate in Newark, I have seen the devastating impact housing discrimination can have on our communities and on our families. This federal funding will help the organizations on the front lines fight these injustices and ensure that everyone has equal access to the American Dream."
The following programs were awarded funding:

New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund, Inc. -- $250,000
New Jersey Citizen Action -- $125,000
Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey - $125,000

The grants will be used to enforce the Fair Housing Act through investigation and testing of alleged discriminatory practices, and to educate housing providers, local governments, and potential victims of housing discrimination about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act.

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