Rep. Schakowsky Applauds HUD Fair Housing Grants
Over $200,000 for the Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs
CHICAGO, IL (November 7, 2011) — Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today applauded the decision by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award the Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs two federal grants totaling $235,874 to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, mortgage scams, and housing discrimination.
Funded through HUD's Fair Housing Initiatives Program, the grants will help the Interfaith Housing Center train at least a dozen residents in each of the four northern suburbs about fair housing rights and responsibilities, sponsor fair housing workshops, provide technical assistance to two north suburban municipalities, and individual counseling activities for protected classes under the Fair Housing Act (those discriminated against based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status).
"At a time when many of my constituents and those across the country are underwater and unable pay their mortgage, I am pleased that HUD awarded this grant to help the Interfaith Housing Center continue its valuable work,... Rep. Schakowsky said. "Federal funding is vital to adequately supporting successful community programs that provide critical assistance to those vulnerable to scams, discrimination and misinformation. I will continue to voice support and work for federal assistance to help homeowners climb out of this housing crisis....
"Congresswoman Schakowsky has been one of the most vocal Congressional leaders in favor of the HUD Fair Housing Initiatives Program,... said Gail Schechter, Executive Director of the Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs. "Congresswoman Schakowsky always recognized that a healthy housing market must be fair to all and her concern about predatory lending dates back to the late 90's when it was considered an issue that only affected African Americans and the elderly. Now with the full-blown foreclosure crisis, she has remain committed in making sure that all homeowners have help and we appreciate her support....
The Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs is a nonprofit organization that advocates for fair and affordable housing in 16 northern suburbs of Chicago. Interfaith's service area comprises the northern Cook and southern Lake County municipalities of Deerfield, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Skokie, Wilmette, and Winnetka. All services are free of charge and confidential and they can be contacted at www.interfaithhousingcenter.org or 847-501-5760.
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Contact: Adjoa Adofo, (202) 225-2111
adjoa.adofo@mail.house.gov