As a recipient of federal grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Athens-Clarke County, Georgia has established a commitment to provide equal housing opportunities for existing and future residents. Through the federally funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs, among other state and local programs, Athens-Clarke County works to affirmatively further fair housing, and to ensure grants are administered in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice A strong commitment to affirmatively further fair housing is not only one of HUD’s guiding principles, it is a requirement for participating in HUD's many housing and community development programs. The Fair Housing Act specifies that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall administer programs and activities relating to housing and urban development in a manner that affirmatively furthers the policies outlined in section 808 (e) 5. For more information see the links below:

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice

https://www.dca.ga.gov/sites/default/files/analysis_of_impediments_2016.pdf

It is HUD's mission to promote non-discrimination and ensure fair and equal housing opportunities for all. In an ongoing effort to provide services and activities on a nondiscriminatory manner and to affirmatively further fair housing, HUD is charged by law to implement and enforce a wide array of civil rights laws, not only for members of the public in search of fair housing, but for HUD funded grant recipients as well. HUD is also charged with ensuring the successful operation of specific enforcement of housing programs. The array of laws, executive orders, regulations, etc. are collectively known as civil rights requirements and called "Civil Rights Related Program Requirements (CRRPRs)."

A strong commitment to affirmatively further fair housing is not only one of HUD’s guiding principles it is a requirement for participating in HUD's many housing and community development programs. The Fair Housing Act specifies that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall administer programs and activities relating to housing and urban development in a manner that affirmatively furthers the policies outlined in section 808 (e) 5.

The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, is the dominant statute for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. It requires that each federal grantee certify to HUD's satisfaction that (1) the awarded grant will be carried out and administered according to the Fair Housing Act, and (2) the grantee will work diligently to affirmatively further fair housing. This certification to HUD may be implemented through the Consolidated Plan process.

Under the Consolidated Plan, HUD funded recipients are required to: (1) examine and attempt to alleviate housing discrimination within their jurisdiction; (2) promote fair housing choice for all persons; (3) provide opportunities for all persons to reside in any given housing development, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin; (4) promote housing that is accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities; (5) and comply with the non-discrimination requirements of the Fair Housing Act.

Housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, age, or disability is illegal. If you believe your rights have been violated you can file a fair housing complaint by calling the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity toll-free 1 (800) 669-9777

HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO)