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Representative Jan Schakowsky Announces Fair Housing Grants for Open Communities


CHICAGO – (ENEWSPF)—October 28, 2014. This month the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded two grants to Open Communities, a nonprofit that advocates for fair and affordable housing based in Winnetka, Illinois.  With grants for $316,389 and $124,453 respectively, Open Communities will continue its critical work in the north suburbs of Chicago to help expose and eliminate housing discrimination and to support its education and outreach efforts on fair housing initiatives.  Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement about this announcement:

“I am excited to announce that Open Communities was awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to remain a leading voice for housing, economic and social justice in north suburban Chicago.  Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s push for fair housing rights, Open Communities was founded over 40 years ago, and now serves 16 suburban communities, located in northern Cook County and southern Lake County. 

I am proud to have supported Open Communities in its initial grant application as these funds will allow Open Communities to monitor and act upon discriminatory housing practices.  Open Communities will also educate elected and appointed officials and their staff members, through a variety of events and forms of outreach, about housing policies and procedures.

Housing discrimination hurts our nation’s most vulnerable citizens and prevents them from achieving the American Dream.  With this financial support, I am confident that Open Communities will now be able to help even more individuals in need to secure safe, affordable, quality housing.“

Source: Schakowsky.house.gov


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