The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii $325,000 as part of $38 million in grants to fight housing discrimination.

The grants were awarded to 95 fair housing organizations and other nonprofit agencies in 38 states and the District of Columbia.

The grants, funded through the Fair Housing Initiatives Program, will help enforce the Fair Housing Act through investigation of alleged discriminatory practices. The funds also will educate housing providers, local governments and potential victims, about their rights and responsibilities under the Act.

“These grants make it possible for non-profits to assist people in their communities pursue their fair housing rights and educate housing providers and others about their responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act,” said Bryan Greene, HUD acting assistant secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.