Fair Housing Initiatives Program - Private Enforcement Initiative American Rescue Plan (Round Three)

 The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (hereafter referred to as “the APR”) recognizes that fair housing enforcement and education and outreach services are an essential component of protecting persons from housing discrimination in the United States. The Act appropriated $20 million in supplemental Fair Housing Initiatives Program funding to HUD to provide emergency relief to fair housing organizations to address fair housing inquiries, complaints, investigations, education and outreach activities, and the costs of delivering or adapting services, during or relating to the coronavirus pandemic. In keeping with Congress’s intent in enacting the American Rescue Plan, applicants may propose new fair housing projects relating to discrimination arising in connection with the pandemic  or focus on sustaining core fair housing enforcement and education activities. The American Rescue Plan: Fair Housing Initiatives Program-Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) Component invites applications from eligible PEI organizations seeking support for fair housing enforcement activities that are connected to or adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Through this funding opportunity, HUD will award grants to Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHO) and Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHO) to help them continue to advance their mission during the interruption of their operation due to the coronavirus pandemic. (See Eligibility Information). The Department encourages projects that reflect on the organization’s quest for a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.  The Department especially welcomes projects that ensure victims of housing discrimination who have been hit the hardest during or relating to the coronavirus pandemic areprovided with the resources and support they need to emerge from the pandemic stronger. American Rescue Plan funds can be used by fair housing organizations to equitably expand housing activities for underserved populations who need their services the most, including victims or complainants from low-income backgrounds, African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, persons with disabilities and other members of minority groups as well as people experiencing or on the verge of housing instability or homelessness, including those that may face possible displacement due to the end of the eviction and foreclosure moratoriums, senior citizens and people with disabilities who are trying to leave the heightened risk of coronavirus associated with institutions or congregate settings, and people with inadequate access to technology.      HUD has designed a simplified application process including expedited review for the distribution of these critical emergency relief funds.  Funds are available to support a wide range of fair housing activities (fair housing inquiries, complaints, and investigations) and the costs of delivering or adapting services during or relating to the coronavirus pandemic over the period of performance.