High Plains Fair Housing Center receives $425,000 federal grant to continue helping North Dakota residents with housing needs
Grand Forks, North Dakota – North Dakota will receive $425,000 in federal funding to support the High Plains Fair Housing Center as the organization continues helping individuals and families facing housing challenges across the state.
U.S. Senator John Hoeven announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved the grant following his work with federal officials to secure the release of the money.
The award represents the third year of funding under a Fair Housing Initiatives Program agreement that began in 2023.
The funding will allow the High Plains Fair Housing Center to continue assisting North Dakotans, including veterans, people with disabilities and families who need help addressing housing discrimination and maintaining stable living conditions.
“This funding will help the High Plains Fair Housing Center continue to serve individuals and families, including veterans and those with disabilities, in the region,” said Hoeven. “Working with High Plains has been one part of our efforts to ensure that North Dakotans have access to safe, affordable and quality housing.”
Grant provides support after months of uncertainty
The announcement comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding the availability of federal funding for the organization.
High Plains Fair Housing Center Executive Director Michelle Rydz welcomed the grant and thanked Hoeven and his staff for helping move the funding process forward.
“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Hoeven and his staff for their persistence in helping move this funding forward. This grant allows High Plains Fair Housing Center to continue the work we have been doing across North Dakota—helping people remain safely and stably housed. After months of uncertainty, this funding means we can focus again on what matters most: making sure North Dakotans have somewhere to turn when they experience housing discrimination,” said Michelle Rydz, Executive Director, High Plains Fair Housing Center.
The federal award is intended to help the organization maintain its work across North Dakota and provide assistance to residents who believe they have experienced unfair treatment in housing.
The grant is also part of Hoeven’s broader efforts to address housing needs throughout the state.
In addition to helping secure funding for the High Plains Fair Housing Center, the senator has passed two pieces of legislation addressing a loan issue that had remained unresolved for nearly a decade.
Those measures were designed to allow the Grand Forks Housing Authority to move forward with needed improvements at LaGrave Place, an affordable housing development containing 66 units.
The newly announced $425,000 grant will support the High Plains Fair Housing Center as it continues providing housing assistance and helping North Dakota residents facing discrimination find the resources they need.
