What Are the Duties of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was established in 1965 under the leadership of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

The agency was established to execute the housing and development programs of the US government by ensuring equal access to everyone’s housing opportunities, notwithstanding income level or family background.

Not only does the federal agency address housing for low-income families and minorities, but it also combats land developer fraud and ensures that home buyers are protected from it and other inadequate mortgage loan practices.

• HUD operates through different offices to carry out its duties and responsibilities to US citizens.
• The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a federal agency that is responsible for housing programs and opportunities around the nation.
• HUD is a cabinet-level government agency that is led by the HUD secretary who is a member of the president’s cabinet and confirmed by the Senate.
• Some of the notable housing programs which this agency carries out include federal housing programs, rental assistance programs for low-income families, programs to tackle housing discrimination, reduce homelessness, and support homeownership, amongst others.
• HUD also allows and supports private housing owners to partake in producing affordable housing for low-income families through partnerships.

Duties of the Department of Housing and Urban Development

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is generally involved in the housing needs and programs of families and individuals in the US. The HUD works to ensure the quality of affordable rental housing, strengthen the housing market, and enforce fair housing laws, among other things, through the implementation of various housing initiatives. Some of the duties of the HUD include:

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

The Federal Housing Administration program is notable for its mortgage insurance program, which provides home loans for homebuyers who do not qualify for other mortgage loans due to low credit scores or bankruptcy. This program is usually overseen by HUD for guidelines and protocol.

Fair Housing Act

HUD also oversees this program as it prohibits housing discrimination due to color, sex, race, religion, or national origin. Anyone found guilty is usually prosecuted.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

This program provides and allocates grants to cities and towns for the revitalization of their communities and economic development. The grants provided must be used to benefit primarily low-income families and for other home displacements which may be caused by natural disasters.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program

The housing choice voucher, otherwise known as Section 8, is another program sponsored by HUD. This program supports low-income families, people with disabilities and the elderly to seek affordable rental housing. HUD ensures that eligible families are provided subsidized housing, whether through government or private housing programs.

The Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA)

The Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) is another HUD-managed government program that oversees mortgages issued by private lenders and increases the availability of credit for the housing market through mortgage market finds.

Public and Indian housing

This housing program provides funds through grants for individuals and families who are native Americans to acquire affordable housing and become economically independent. The Public and Indian Housing Scheme, via HUD, works with various housing authorities to improve the service and delivery of housing conditions.

Community planning and development

This scheme is responsible for the distribution of grants to low-income communities to finance their growth and development. The office of community planning and development also supports the housing program of HUD through its numerous grant programs.

Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control

This office is responsible for helping to eradicate health problems caused by lead paint in low-income housing. Through scientific research, the agency tries to solve this problem and also assist local communities to address and find a lasting solution to the exposure to lead paint.

Selected Programs and Initiatives offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development

Here are some of the programs sponsored by HUD for families and individuals in search of affordable housing.

• Choice Neighborhoods: this allocates grants to assist schools, residents, business owners, nonprofits, and others with their housing needs and also to transform low-quality neighborhoods into sustainable neighborhoods with affordable housing.
• HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program: This program merges the housing choice voucher for veterans and their families with case management and clinical services.
• Neighborhood Networks: This type of funding provides grants to public housing authorities to establish community technology centers that offer computer and internet training for residents.
• Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency program: funds are provided to the Public Housing Authority who in turn merges residents with empowerment and supportive activities to allow them to become self-sufficient.

Conclusion

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development was set up to curb housing issues and provide affordable housing for low-income families and other people in need, without discriminating by race, sex, nationality, or religion. The agency believes everyone is entitled to a fair housing opportunity.

HUD is not only responsible for providing affordable housing solutions to low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled, but also supports families in acquiring rental options and affordable loans for those who do not qualify for the available funding options and are in search of a way to afford housing.