Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is the National Fair Housing Training Academy (NFHTA)?

The NFHTA is a training program created and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in partnership with the D.C. Office for Human Rights and Howard University. The Academy's primary purpose is to provide fair housing equal opportunity training to civil rights professionals responsible for enforcing fair housing laws throughout the country.

2. Who must/should attend?

Employees from state and local government civil rights agencies who receive HUD/FHAP funds to enforce fair housing are the initial group required to attend. Others who are required to attend are USHUD FHEO staff and FHIP staff who have enforcement grants.

3. Is the course open to the public?

No. At this time this course is limited to persons from FHAP agencies. We are currently preparing to extend the program to HUD FHEO and FHIP enforcement agencies. Development of courses for other groups is being explored and will be developed in the future. If you have an interest, please email the Academy identifying your specific need and contact information.

4. How will Fair Housing Assistance Program agencies pay for the NFHTA classes that their staffs attend?

Funds are available through the FHAP contract funds. As part of our FHAP Guidance to contribution agencies, we estimated that each agency would be able to determine how many people to send. As we stated at the Orientation and Briefing meeting, we did not have historical information to guide us; therefore, we estimated high at approximately $3,000 per participant. We felt that this amount would cover the requisite number of nominees attending classes for August and September 2004. We also anticipated that if the need arose, we could come back and make necessary adjustments if the cost estimates proved too low.

5. Will the Academy provide lodging?

Though the Academy previously provided lodging to participants, the Academy has discontinued its contract with the City Center Hotel (formerly the Wyndam). Academy participants are expected to find their own lodging. The Academy cannot arrange hotel rooms for attendees.

6. How do I find lodging?

Students can make reservations at any hotel in Washington, DC. You may want to try hotels.com, expedia.com, wedothelegwork.com, or travelocity.com.

7. How do I pay for lodging?

FHAP participants will pay for their lodging and travel and then be reimbursed through FHAP training funds. HUD will issue guidance on this shortly.

8. Is there a set curriculum?

Yes. The initial program is a 5-week certification program designed to provide fair housing enforcement staff with knowledge and skills to conduct efficient and timely investigations throughout the country.

9. Are there plans to expand the curriculum?

Yes. Relevant courses will be developed in consultation with FHAP, HUD FHEO, and FHIP personnel initially. Other courses will be developed in conjunction with needs and requests.

10. Can the Academy customize courses for a particular group?

Yes. In the future, the Academy will work in a consultative capacity to develop courses, workshops and special seminars.

11. Where is the Academy located?

The Academy is in the process of moving. For the remainder of the calendar year classes will be held at the USDA Graduate School located in the Capital Gallery Building at 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC.

12. How do I get from my Hotel to the Academy?

The Academy is conveniently located near the Metro, but you have other options for travel. You can choose to travel via Metro, taxi, or drive.

13. What if I want to attend the Academy but was not identified in the primary audience?

You can get more information by contacting the Academy at the address above or by email.