Adrianne Todman, Deputy Secretary | https://www.hud.gov/leadership#sec
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has entered into a Conciliation Agreement and Voluntary Compliance Agreement with the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR). This agreement resolves an allegation that NCORR had discriminatory practices in its disaster recovery programs, particularly against Black homeowners. A North Carolina resident who lodged a complaint in this case, represented by North Carolina Legal Aid, is also included in the agreement.
Demetria L. McCain, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, commented on the matter: “Subjecting Black storm survivors to barriers that ultimately prevent them from rebuilding their homes is unconscionable. HUD is committed to making sure that disaster recovery funds are administered justly.”
The agreement settles the complaint filed against NCORR under several legislative acts including the Fair Housing Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The complaint alleged that NCORR’s heirs’ property policy unlawfully discriminated against Black homeowners by preventing them from accessing disaster recovery funds for home repairs.
NCORR's policy required applicants for disaster relief funds to consult with anyone claiming property ownership before applying. Furthermore, it necessitated that the owner signing the grant agreement have authority to act on behalf of any occupants or potential claimants of interest in the damaged property. These requirements were alleged to deny equal housing opportunities and disproportionately impact Black homeowners seeking disaster recovery assistance funds.
In addition to securing relief for the individual complainant, the agreement mandates NCORR to remove existing discriminatory barriers faced by homeowner storm survivors seeking recovery assistance and comply with fair housing laws going forward. Under this agreement, NCORR will finalize revisions to its ReBuild NC Homeowner Recovery Program (Program). These revisions will address any discriminatory impact experienced by Black homeowners whose primary residences were directly or indirectly impacted by Hurricanes Matthew and/or Florence.
The agreement also allows applicants for disaster recovery funds to submit a signed affidavit as proof of property ownership. NCORR is required to provide notice of the policy changes to applicants rejected or otherwise barred from participation in the Program and offer an opportunity to appeal for reentry into the Program, expanding access to disaster recovery funds for North Carolina residents.
HUD did not issue a letter of findings prior to entering into the agreement, and it does not constitute admissions by NCORR or evidence of a final determination by HUD of violations based on the allegations of the complaint.
For those who believe they are victims of housing discrimination, HUD encourages them to reach out at (800) 9669-9777 (voice) or (800) 927-9275 (TTY). Additional information is available at /fairhousing.
