South Suburban Housing Center Joins Lawsuit to Stop HUD and DOJ …

2025

SSHC, along with three other organizations, filed a lawsuit against HUD and DOGE on March 13 in the Federal District Court of Massachusetts, challenging the sudden termination of Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) funding. This move potentially puts over $30 million of allocated funds at risk. The termination occurred following advice from DOGE, claiming that the grants no longer align with HUD’s goals.

The lawsuit represents a national class of 60 organizations impacted by the funding cuts, including SSHC. The termination of two multi-year enforcement grants would severely impact SSHC’s budget, reducing funds by $550,000. This loss constitutes 92% of their Fair Housing Program funding and 37% of their overall budget, jeopardizing their ability to carry out essential fair housing enforcement, education, and outreach activities.

SSHC has a long-standing record as a fair housing grant recipient, with over 25 years of excellent performance ratings from HUD. The loss of these crucial funds will force SSHC to reduce staffing levels, limiting their ability to provide services to a population of 3.2 million across six counties in Illinois. These services include legal assistance, community relief programs, emergency housing support, and monitoring of discriminatory practices in the housing market.

John Petruszak, SSHC’s Executive Director, expressed disappointment at the grant terminations, highlighting the organization’s commitment to combating discrimination in housing markets. He emphasized that HUD and DOGE’s actions not only undermine this important work but also violate legal obligations to enforce the Fair Housing Act.

SSH is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting diversity and eliminating housing discrimination across southern Cook, Will, and Kankakee counties in Illinois. Since 1975, SSHC has been at the forefront of fair housing enforcement, extending its services to underserved communities in neighboring states. The organization’s mission centers on fostering inclusive communities and ensuring that all individuals have equal access to housing opportunities.

In response to HUD’s actions, SSHC has taken a stand to protect fair housing rights and preserve critical funding that supports their vital community programs. The lawsuit filed against HUD and DOGE aims to challenge the unjust termination of grant funding and uphold the principles of fair housing and non-discrimination in housing markets. As SSHC continues to fight for housing equity and justice, the organization remains committed to serving the diverse populations in its service areas and advocating for equal housing rights for all.