The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) is distributing $26 million in non-competitive funding to address fair housing needs on the local and state levels.

The funds will support 77 state, county, and city agencies administering fair housing laws that provide rights, remedies, and procedures that are substantially equivalent to those provided by the federal Fair Housing Act.

“One of HUD’s most important priorities is to ensure that we root out any and all forms of discrimination in housing, but we cannot do this work without our partners on the ground,” HUD acting Secretary Adrianne Todman said. “Today, we’re making $26 million more available to enforce the Fair Housing Act and ensure fair housing for all.”

According to its release, HUD experienced a 6 percent increase in the total number of cases processed by FHAP agencies in the last year. National Fair Housing Alliance President and CEO Lisa Rice said these entities are an important part of the fair housing ecosystem by enforcing the laws providing protection for those trying to obtain secure, fair, and affordable housing opportunities.

“Private fair housing non-profit organizations that work on the frontlines to investigate discrimination complaints need to have strong, well-funded FHAP agencies to ensure people can access the housing they need free from unfair practices,” Rice said.

Alisa Warren, president of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies, called the funds being distributed “vital” in supporting effective enforcement of fair housing laws.

“FHAP agencies are actively engaged in human rights implementation within communities to safeguard individuals against discrimination and by leveraging the law in their jurisdiction,” she said.