U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Candlefocus EditorHUD is responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and protecting the rights of individuals who are looking to buy, rent, or secure financing for a home. This legislation prohibits discrimination related to sex, race, color, national origin, religion, family status, and disability.
HUD administers a variety of programs designed to strengthen the economy and housing market, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, and the Homeownership Voucher (HV) program.
CDBG grants are awarded to cities and states for use in housing construction, repairs, and other projects that assist low-income families. Decisions on where funds are allocated are largely dictated by local housing market trends and population size.
HCV provides financial assistance to families in need by subsidizing rent payments, while HV grants provide funding to those who wish to purchase a home. HUD also manages economic development programs and provides counseling and resources to those facing foreclosure or eviction.
HUD oversees what is known as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which offers grants and other resources to help address housing difficulties caused by the 2008 economic crisis. This program focuses on purchasing and rehabilitating houses at risk of abandonment, stabilizing communities, redeveloping distressed neighborhoods, and providing rental and ownership assistance.
The mission of the Department of Housing and Urban Development is to ensure fair and equal access to housing for all individuals. HUD’s goal is to remove the barriers that prevent millions of Americans from achieving the dream of homeownership. The agency’s programs and initiatives are important steps in creating vibrant, sustainable communities across the country.