Friday, Dec 23 2011 3:36PM
Residents don't speak English proficiently and need to contact HUD about services and programs can now do so through its Language Line.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced it has started a HUD Language Line - a phone number that provides affordable housing needs services to non-English-speaking residents.
The HUD Language Line pilot program offers callers one-on-one interpretation services in 175 languages, which agency officials believe will help them assist a greater number of housing needs.
"Access to government should not be determined by how well a person speaks English," said John Trasviña, HUD assistant secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "The HUD Language Line is another example of HUD's efforts to ensure that persons with limited English proficiency have equal access to HUD programs and services."
The pilot program will run through September 2012. Issues that can be handled by HUD representatives through the Language Line include queries about
affordable housing assistance, fair housing and specific programs offered by the agency.
For further reference, please visit:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development