Upon taking office in 2018, Westchester County Executive George Latimer made it a priority to strengthen and revitalize the Westchester County Human Rights Commission (HRC) – a commission he helped to found during his time serving at the Board of Legislators. Today, Latimer is proud to announce that the HRC’s FHAP (Fair Housing Assistance Program) partnership with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has been recertified for five more years.
This extended partnership allows for the County to continue to receive federal funds and to apply for grant funding programs, all of which – ease the burden on taxpayers while still providing vital services.
Latimer said: “Westchester County’s HRC, under the leadership of Executive Director Tejash Sanchala, Deputy Director Valerie Daniele and Fair Housing Director Joshua Levin, has worked immensely hard to restore the Commission. This partnership is another example of the fruits of their labor and will afford us even more opportunities to come up with creative solutions to solve some of our community’s most pressing issues.”
Human Rights Commission Executive Director Tejash Sanchala said: “This is a tremendous victory for the Commission and the County. With this renewed partnership, the County can continue to access the resources of the federal government to benefit our residents. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of ensuring fair housing for all and combatting housing discrimination. We are proud to continue this important work.”
As local governments nationwide are dealing with the budgetary fallout due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Latimer is finding ways to provide the services needed by residents without adding additional strain to taxpayers. The County’s HRC applied for and received two grants from HUD for a total amount exceeding $46,000.
The first grant awards the HRC $12,500 in “Partnership Funds” to create and implement a fair housing advertising campaign to place ads on buses, bus shelters and online. The second, and larger, grant is under the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) and is in excess of $33,500. This grant will help temporarily process the HRC’s increased caseload ensuring programmatic efficiency for all parties involved.
Individuals who have experienced or witnessed discrimination can contact the Commission at (914) 995-9500 or by e-mail at .