Southwest Fair Housing Council Stands Firm Against Proposed Cuts to Critical Fair Housing Funding
TUCSON, AZ – [May 8, 2025] – Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC) strongly opposes President Trump's FY26 federal budget proposal, which seeks to eliminate critical funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). The proposed cuts threaten essential services that protect Arizonans against housing discrimination, endangering housing stability for vulnerable community members across the state.
FHIP, a bipartisan-supported program established during the Reagan Administration, empowers local non-profit organizations to address housing and lending discrimination. It provides crucial assistance to groups including disabled veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, and families with children. This funding is vital for ensuring fair housing opportunities, enhancing local educational efforts, and combating predatory practices like redlining and discriminatory lending.
"This proposal to zero out FHIP funding isn't just a policy misstep—it's a direct threat to the rights and security of thousands of Arizonans," said Jay Young, Executive Director of SWFHC. "For decades, these funds have allowed us to combat housing discrimination, provide critical education, and offer assistance to those facing injustices. Removing this support would significantly harm vulnerable communities and worsen Arizona's housing crisis."
In 2023 alone, FHIP-funded organizations handled over 75% of the nation's housing discrimination complaints, substantially reducing federal expenditures by addressing issues proactively and efficiently. These efforts save taxpayers money by decreasing homelessness and the need for costly emergency interventions.
"Housing discrimination is not just a legal issue—it profoundly impacts the lives of real people in Arizona every day," stated Tasha Lynch, Manager of Operations and Investigations at SWFHC. "The proposed cuts would severely limit our capacity to advocate for and protect those most in need, including veterans, seniors, and families with children. We urge Congress to prioritize FHIP funding to sustain our critical work."
SWFHC calls upon Arizona's congressional delegation and community members to reject these proposed cuts and advocate for robust FHIP funding. Continued federal support is essential to maintaining fair housing protections and fostering inclusive communities throughout Arizona.
For more information or to support fair housing initiatives in Arizona, please visit https://www.swfhc.org/giving.
About Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC):
Southwest Fair Housing Council is dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination in Arizona. Through education, advocacy, research, and enforcement, SWFHC ensures equal housing opportunities, fostering vibrant, inclusive communities where every Arizonan can thrive.
Media Contact: Tasha Lynch
Title: Manager of Operations and Investigations
Email: tasha@swfhc.org
