FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2025
Media Contact: Carrie Pleasants cpleasants@thehousingcenter.org; 216-306-2534
Cleveland, OH — Fair Housing Center for Right & Research along with three other fair housing groups, represented by Relman Colfax, announce the filing of a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This legal action follows HUD’s sudden and unlawful termination of grants disbursed under the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). The termination of those grants jeopardizes over $30 million in critical, congressionally authorized funding for fair housing groups to fight housing discrimination and enforce fair housing laws throughout the country.
The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court in the District of Massachusetts, is brought on behalf of a proposed class of more than 60 fair housing groups whose grants were abruptly terminated by HUD and DOGE on February 27, 2025. Plaintiffs have moved for a temporary restraining order (TRO).
Fair housing organizations, particularly the four named plaintiffs in the TRO filing, are already feeling the harm and devastating effects of this funding termination. The Massachusetts Fair Housing Center, Intermountain Fair Housing Council, Fair Housing Council of South Texas – San Antonio Fair Housing Council, and Housing Research and Advocacy Center – Fair Housing Center for Rights and Research are among the plaintiffs who have long fought to dismantle discriminatory housing practices in their respective regions and beyond.
Fair housing groups, funded by FHIP, have long served as the backbone of efforts to combat housing discrimination, enforcing the Fair Housing Act (FHA). These groups investigate housing discrimination complaints, enforce fair housing laws, assist individuals facing discrimination, educate communities about their rights, and collaborate with local governments to expand fair and affordable housing opportunities. FHIP grants—which originated from Congress’s recognition of the central role of fair housing organizations in combatting housing discrimination—are a primary source of funding for fair housing groups.
Late in the evening on February 27th, Carrie Pleasants, the Executive Director of Fair Housing Center for Rights & Research received a letter from HUD informing the agency that two active FHIP grants were terminated effective that same day. Nationally, 78 FHIP grants were terminated altogether, representing a primary source of funding for fair housing organizations in 33 states. The FHIP grants were halted at the direction of the newly established DOGE, claiming the grants “no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities,” despite grantees performing activities aligned with Congressionally authorized aims. The filing argues that DOGE lacks the authority to direct HUD to cancel grants, and HUD cannot follow such directives.
“This abrupt termination has caused substantial chaos and confusion, not only to our organization, but to thousands of Ohioans. This unprecedented action undermines decades of progress in fair housing advocacy and threatens the stability of organizations that have tirelessly fought for equality, ” said Carrie Pleasants, Executive Director at the Housing Research and Advocacy Center – Fair Housing Center for Rights and Research. “It sets a dangerous precedent, leaving countless individuals without the support they need to overcome housing inequality. All of Ohio will bear the brunt of this detrimental decision.”
“The Fair Housing Center annually provides training to over 2,500 area housing providers, real estate professionals, property managers, title agents, government employees, and housing consumers. The termination of this funding is not only a disservice to our agency, and our clients but also to housing professionals who rely on our services to stay up to date on their fair housing responsibilities,” said Tanesha Seaborn, Director of Education and Outreach at the Housing Research and Advocacy Center – Fair Housing Center for Rights and Research.
“The sudden termination of these grants comes at a time of escalating discrimination complaints,” said Yiyang Wu, Partner at Relman Colfax. “These programs are not just administrative line items; they are lifelines for all Americans. HUD’s and DOGE’s irresponsible actions could dismantle critical programs and shutter organizations that ensure access to fair, equitable housing nationwide.”
Fair housing is a legal right, and FHIP grants were a promise to the American people that cannot be revoked at DOGE’s direction without any explanation. Relman Colfax and these brave organizations remain resolute in fighting for the organizations, families, individuals, and communities that FHIP grants safeguard.
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Fair Housing Center for Rights & Research is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1983 whose mission is to protect and expand fair housing rights, eliminate housing discrimination, and promote integrated communities.
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