The High Plains Fair Housing Center, the only fair housing organization serving the Dakotas, has received a long-awaited federal grant, resolving a monthslong funding gap that previously led to the furlough of half its staff. The Grand Forks-based center confirmed the arrival of the $425,000 final installment of a three-year Fair Housing Initiatives Program grant.
This crucial funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was initially expected in May, but the delay extended through the summer, forcing the center to furlough four of its eight employees last month. Executive Director Michelle Rydz received notification on Saturday that the grant money was within HUD’s financial system for disbursement, with the grant officially starting on Thursday.
As a direct result of the funding, three of the four furloughed staff members will be able to return to their positions. The fourth staff member accepted a job with Legal Services of North Dakota, a partner organization, according to Rydz.
The High Plains Fair Housing Center assists individuals within the scope of the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. The center's work includes investigating, mediating, and resolving housing discrimination complaints, as well as assisting with accommodations. These services are vital for residents in Burleigh and Morton counties, ensuring fair treatment in housing matters.
During the grant lapse, the center's intake line was significantly impacted, leading to longer wait times for individuals seeking assistance, Rydz said. It remains unclear whether any clients lost housing as a direct consequence of these delays.
Rydz credited North Dakota’s congressional delegation for their intervention, stating that they “realize the importance of High Plains in the housing ecosystem in terms of keeping people housed and providing those advocacy services.” U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D., confirmed her office immediately contacted HUD and the White House upon learning of the funding delay to push for a timely resolution. Rep. Fedorchak expressed satisfaction, stating, “I’m glad we could get this issue resolved and the center fully staffed again.” HUD did not respond to an inquiry for comment.
In 2025, the High Plains Fair Housing Center handled a total of 958 calls. More than one-third of these calls were related to allegations of housing discrimination, while the remaining calls addressed landlord-tenant issues or general housing inquiries. The center achieved 204 resolutions for clients, with approximately half of these being resolved without the need to file a formal complaint.
The organization also serves South Dakota, which lacks an in-state fair housing organization. Over the last year and a half, the center processed about 100 calls from South Dakota residents and will now be able to fully resume taking those calls, Rydz confirmed. The restoration of full services ensures that Bismarck, Mandan, and all other communities in the Dakotas continue to have access to essential fair housing advocacy.
