Department of Housing and Urban Development

Agency

1. federal executive division responsible for carrying out government housing and community development programs. HUD works to ensure equal access to housing and community-based employment opportunities; finances new housing, public housing, and housing rehabilitation projects; insures mortgages for single-family homes and multifamily units; and carries out programs that serve the housing needs of low-income and minority families, the elderly, disabled, and mentally ill. HUD housing offices also work to protect consumers against fraudulent practices by land developers, ensure the safety of manufactured (mobile) homes, and defend home buyers against abusive mortgage-loan practices. Its community planning and development offices administer block grant programs designed to rehabilitate blighted urban neighborhoods. The department also maintains various oversight units to monitor programs, hear complaints, and adjudicate claims.