HOME Receives $350k to Support Local COVID-Related Housing Issues
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Steven Haagsma
Housing Opportunities Made Equal
716-854-1400 x 19
HOME RECEIVES $350,000 to SUPPORT LOCAL COVID-RELATED HOUSING ISSUES
Non-profit is among 51 organizations nationwide to receive funding.
BUFFALO, N.Y., Nov. 16, 2021 -- Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME), Western New York’s only comprehensive fair housing organization serving both tenants and landlords, recently received a $350,000 grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HOME is among 51 organizations nationwide to receive funding from HUD through the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The funding is designated to combat fair housing issues that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, targeting underserved communities who have been hit hardest by the pandemic’s health, economic, and housing consequences.
“We are grateful for HUD’s support of fair housing in WNY,” expressed HOME Executive Director, M. DeAnna Eason. “The pandemic has impacted everyone in some capacity but has disparately impacted the underserved communities of WNY.”
With this funding, HOME will be able to address said disparities by:
· investigating allegations of housing discrimination;
· providing housing search assistance to low-income families;
· educating municipalities on federal, state and local fair housing laws;
· addressing the housing needs of underserved populations (e.g. seniors, disabled persons and new Americans);
· mediating landlord/tenant matters; and
· conducting several other fair-housing enforcement activities.
Congressman Brian Higgins added, “This grant invests in the well-being of the Western New York community and allows HOME to extend their essential and inclusive services to a greater number of low-income families in need.”
Erie County Legislature Chair April Baskin added, "COVID-19 shined a light on the deep, complex issues in our society and inadequate housing is at the top of that list. In a place like Buffalo with very old houses and a long history of segregation, we need every resource available to ensure our most vulnerable residents have access to safe, quality housing. I commend our Congressman Brian Higgins for always fighting to make sure Buffalo's frontline communities get their fair share of federal resources. And I thank DeAnna Eason and the entire team at HOME for pushing Buffalo further as we strive to be a place that is safe and healthy for all."
About HOME
Housing Opportunities Made Equal, Inc. is a civil rights organization with a mission to promote the value of diversity and ensure all people an equal opportunity to live in housing and communities of their choice. Through the education, advocacy, and enforcement of fair housing laws, HOME seeks to ensure that everyone can: have their voices heard on their housing issues; defend and safeguard their rights; and have their concerns genuinely considered when decisions are being made about their lives and housing. Learn more at homeny.org or via Facebook (@HOMEnyinc) or Twitter (@HOMEnyorg).
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