In a significant move to promote equity in disaster recovery, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has forged a groundbreaking agreement with Harris County, Texas. This agreement addresses critical concerns about the equitable use of disaster recovery funds, particularly in communities vulnerable to discrimination based on race and national origin.

The new Voluntary Compliance Agreement/Conciliation Agreement comes in response to allegations that Harris County's Post Disaster Relocation and Buyout Program disproportionately targeted predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods for mandatory buyouts, while offering more favorable options to majority white neighborhoods facing similar flood risks. The complaint, filed under 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, highlighted these disparities, prompting HUD's intervention.

“Buyout programs are essential for helping families relocate from disaster-prone areas, but they must be implemented fairly and without bias,” emphasized Diane M. Shelley, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “This agreement underscores HUD's commitment to ensuring that disaster recovery efforts are conducted in a manner that upholds civil rights and protects vulnerable communities.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Harris County is required to notify all remaining acquisition targets in the mandatory buyout program of their rights, including the right to appeal the buyout of their home. These notices will be provided in both Spanish and English to ensure accessibility for all affected residents. Furthermore, any future proposals by the County to use HUD disaster recovery funds for mandatory buyouts must be submitted to HUD for review and approval, with assurances that the programs will not result in discrimination.

While Harris County denies the allegations of discrimination, the agreement allows for a resolution that prevents further escalation and promotes a fairer approach to disaster recovery in the future. As part of the resolution, the County agreed to a limited acquisition of land in the highest-risk flood areas, rather than taking the complainant's entire homestead.

This agreement marks a critical step forward in ensuring that disaster recovery funds are used equitably and that all residents, regardless of race or national origin, are treated fairly in the aftermath of natural disasters.

For those who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination, HUD encourages them to reach out at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 927-9275 (TTY). Additional information is available at hud.gov/fairhousing.