On the Ground: Federal Impacts in North Dakota

By: Prairie Action North Dakota Institute

May 10, 2025

High Plains Fair Housing Center works to eliminate housing discrimination and to ensure equal housing opportunities for all. They educate the public and housing providers about equal opportunity in housing and compliance with fair housing laws.

Federal Grants

The organization is 97% funded by federal grants, with uncertain renewal prospects for some programs, leading to potential operational changes and staffing impacts.

These federal grants allow High Plains Fair Housing Center to conduct education and outreach efforts in North Dakota and in South Dakota, which doesn't have its own fair housing center.

Federal Impact

Since January, one of their important grants has been eliminated. With that funding they were able devote time and staff towards education and outreach, focused on sexual orientation and gender identity. And an additional federal education grant will be terminated in May.

“When federal grants disappear, so do critical services. High Plains Fair Housing Center, which takes nearly 800 calls a year, is struggling to continue their work helping people with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, and families facing housing discrimination due to federal grant loss.” Amy Jacobson, Prairie Action ND Institute