Evanston, IL – 3/3/2025 - On the evening of Thursday, February 27th, Open Communities and other fair housing organizations across the nation received a termination letter from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) canceling grant funding, effective immediately. The letter states:
"The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), at the direction of the President of the United States pursuant to the Executive Order 14158, “Establishing and Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’”, and at the direction of said Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), issues this notice of termination according to 2 CFR 200 subpart D. This notice serves to inform Open Communities that HUD intends to terminate the subject award effective February 27, 2025. HUD is terminating this award because it no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities. "
“This decision by HUD undermines decades of progress in fair housing enforcement,” said Herb Brenner, Chairman of the Board of Open Communities.
“Without this funding, countless individuals and families who rely on our support will be left without recourse against housing discrimination and unfair practices.”
The loss of HUD grant funding not only impacts Open Communities but also numerous fair housing organizations across the country, all of which play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the Fair Housing Act, a key civil rights law passed in 1968. The funding cut threatens to weaken enforcement and could therefore lead to an increase in discriminatory housing practices.
As a leading advocate for fair housing in the region, Open Communities relies on HUD funding to support essential services such as investigating housing discrimination and educating the public on their rights. HUD funding represents a significant portion of Open Communities’ revenue; without such funds, these critical services will be significantly diminished or eliminated, leaving vulnerable communities without necessary protections.
Open Communities calls on HUD to rescind this damaging decision and urges elected officials, community leaders, and the public to advocate for the restoration of these critical funds. The agency remains committed to fighting for fair housing now more than ever.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Cheryl Lawrence, Executive Director, cheryl@open-communities.org
Dominic Voz, Director of Fair Housing (dominic@open-communities.org) 312-620-8304
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