WASHINGTON, D.C., February 28, 2012 As part of a nationwide initiative funding state and local government fair housing agencies, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced the award of grants to both the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (DCOHR), and the Fairfax County (VA) Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP) to work with the Equal Rights Center (ERC) to further fair housing through programs of education, outreach and civil rights testing. Under this initiative, DCOHR has been awarded $270,000, approximately $56,000 of which will fund its partnership with the Equal Rights Center, and OHREP will receive a total of $100,150 to fund its collaboration with the ERC.

“The Equal Rights Center is proud of the long-standing partnerships we have built with area governments. Through this recent funding, HUD continues to recognize that the goal of equal housing opportunity will only be achieved through the combine efforts of government, private fair housing groups, and the community at large,” said ERC Executive Director Don Kahl. “We are looking forward to working with our partners in these new efforts to advance civil rights for families in both the District and Fairfax County.”

The Equal Rights Center is a national non-profit civil rights organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to promoting equal opportunity for all. With nearly three decades of experience in advancing fair housing, the ERC works with government agencies, housing advocates and individuals to ensure that every family can choose where they live, free from discrimination.

About the Equal Rights Center (www.equalrightscenter.org)
Originally formed in 1983, the Equal Rights Center (ERC) is a national non-profit civil rights organization based in Washington, D.C. With members located in every state and the District of Columbia, the ERC works nationally to promote equal opportunity in housing, employment, disability rights, immigrant rights, and access to public accommodations and government services for all protected classes under federal, state, and local laws.

About the DC Office of Human Rights (ohr.dc.gov)
The District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (OHR) was established to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity and protect human rights for persons who live, work, or visit in the District of Columbia.

About the Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ohrep/hrd/)
The Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs receives and investigates complaints filed by any person who believes they have been discriminated against in Fairfax County on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, familial status, or disability in the areas of: employment, housing, public accommodations, education and credit.

About the Department of Housing and Urban Development (www.hud.gov)
Created by President Johnson on September 9, 1965, the mission of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) includes fostering “a decent, safe, and sanitary home and suitable living environment for every American.”