Mesa and HUD Celebrate Fair Housing Month

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~ Mesa, AZ- As April begins, the city of Mesa and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are gearing up to celebrate Fair Housing Month. This year marks the 57th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which aimed to eliminate discrimination in housing opportunities and promote equal housing choices for all Americans.

Under the Civil Rights Act of 1968, housing in Mesa and throughout the United States is required to be made available to all citizens regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, and disability. This act also encourages fair housing opportunities for all citizens.

Mayor Mark Freeman expressed the city's dedication to supporting programs that educate the public about their right to fair housing opportunities. "We will continue promoting fair housing and collaborating with other organizations to ensure that every resident in Mesa has access to housing," he stated.

The City of Mesa's support for fair housing includes awarding Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Human Services funding to various non-profit organizations. These funds are used to administer various housing-related activities such as Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), Child Crisis Arizona, Family Promise Greater Phoenix, Homeward Bound, Save the Family Foundation of Arizona, City of Mesa's Housing Rehabilitation Program, and Rent and Utility Deposit Program.

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In addition to celebrating Fair Housing Month in April, Mesa is also recognizing the 51st anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. National Community Development Week (CD Week) will take place from April 21-25. This week was created in 1986 to bring attention to community development programs like CDBG and HOME Investment Partnerships Program that have made a significant impact on communities.

The CDBG program plays a crucial role in building stronger and more resilient communities by providing funds for housing rehabilitation, public facility and infrastructure improvements, and a variety of public service activities through community partnerships. For the past 51 years, CDBG has been a vital resource for Mesa in developing programs and activities to address infrastructure, affordable housing, and community needs.

Over the last five years, Mesa has received over $26 million in CDBG funds that have benefited the community through housing rehabilitation assistance, capital improvements to community facilities, parks, and homeless shelters. These funds have also been used for COVID mitigation and prevention efforts and providing critical services to assist vulnerable populations.

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The HOME program is another important resource that provides funds to states and local governments for permanent and transitional housing, acquisition, rehabilitation, new construction, and tenant-based rental assistance. For over 31 years, the HOME program has played a significant role in improving access to affordable housing for low- and very low-income households. Since Fiscal Year 2021 alone, approximately $7.8 million in HOME funds have been allocated for housing programs and new development in Mesa.

As Fair Housing Month approaches, the City of Mesa is committed to promoting fair housing opportunities for all citizens and continuing its support for programs that improve access to affordable housing. Residents can find more information about fair housing questions or complaints on the city's website.

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