The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently reached an agreement with Harris County, Texas, regarding allegations of discrimination based on race and national origin in its Post Disaster Relocation and Buyout Program.
Although the county denies the discrimination allegations and HUD has not made any findings of discrimination under the applicable laws, including the Fair Housing Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, it has agreed to the settlement to resolve the dispute.
As part of the agreement, the county is required to provide notice to current mandatory buyout program participants about their rights, including the right to appeal the county’s buyout of their home. Information must be provided in both English and Spanish regarding their right to file a discrimination complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
Additionally, the county must seek approval from HUD for any future plans to use disaster recovery funds for mandatory buyouts, outlining steps to prevent discrimination in the proposed program.
The agreement also includes resolution of a complaint by a property owner, where the county agreed to a limited taking of land in the highest risk flood area rather than the complainant’s entire homestead.
Diane M. Shelley, HUD’s principal deputy assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity, emphasized the importance of applying HUD funds equitably in programs like buyouts.
“Buyout programs are essential for helping families relocate from disaster-prone areas, but they must not be implemented in a discriminatory manner that disproportionately affects communities of color,” Shelley stated. “HUD is dedicated to ensuring equitable disaster recovery and resilience, and that disaster recovery funds are administered in compliance with civil rights laws.”
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