Message from the Assistant Secretary

It is with great excitement that I begin my tenure as Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. I look forward to guiding the Department's efforts to protect the right of every American to obtain the housing of their choice.

Central to the accomplishment of this mission is the active enforcement of the Fair Housing Act and the other federal laws that prohibit housing discrimination. I am dedicated to HUD conducting timely and thorough investigations, and taking strong action against anyone who has violated the law.

This is a challenging time. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast, displacing thousands of families, many of whom are still looking for permanent housing. I have sent a letter to housing industry associations reminding everyone that the federal Fair Housing Act prohibits denying anyone an equal housing opportunity because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. I look forward to helping the Department ensure that these families have equal access to the housing opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.

I also hope to raise the profile on several other significant barriers in housing, such as discrimination in mortgage lending and the challenges people with disabilities face. While the homeownership rate is at an all-time high for all Americans, some have yet to realize the American dream because of unfair obstacles. There are several contributing factors, including ongoing lending discrimination.

In addition, the design and construction of many new multifamily buildings leave many people with disabilities stranded at the threshold, when developers and architects fail to consider accessibility when housing developments are designed or redeveloped. I want to make sure that housing in both the federally-assisted and private market is available and accessible to people with disabilities.

Finally, enforcement works best when people know their rights. HUD's studies show that far too many people who experience discrimination do nothing about it. In the coming months we will do even more to inform the public about their rights and what to do if they believe their rights have been violated.

I invite each of you to join me in working to open the doors of opportunity to every resident of this great nation.

Sincerely,
Kim Kendrick Assistant Secretary