United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison and HUD Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis recently organized two summits in Michigan to address the safety and rights of tenants living in HUD-assisted housing. The events focused on preventing sexual misconduct and removing environmental hazards such as lead-based paint.
The summits were held at Anderson Enrichment Center in Saginaw and Kemeny Recreation Center in Detroit. These gatherings are part of broader initiatives by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Inspector General to promote safe housing conditions.
"Everyone should be able to live safely in their homes, free from exposure to environmental hazards, and free from being subjected to harassment from their landlord," stated U.S. Attorney Ison. "We convened these summits today to raise awareness that residents have protections under federal law."
Inspector General Oliver Davis emphasized the commitment to combating sexual misconduct by housing providers: "Opportunities like those we held today engaging community stakeholders in safe housing summits demonstrate HUD OIG’s commitment to holding accountable housing providers for putting the health and safety of HUD-assisted families at risk."
Representatives from various organizations, including legal services offices, fair housing organizations, civil rights groups, shelters, and social service organizations attended the summits. These groups work with populations vulnerable to environmental hazards or potential harassment by landlords or property managers.
Individuals with information about unsafe conditions or who have experienced harassment can report it to the HUD Office of Inspector General Hotline or file a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Victims may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for assistance.