STATEWIDE -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $275,000 to Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Inc. to help people who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination.

The funding is part of $21.8 million awarded to 92 fair housing and other non-profit agencies nationwide.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Inc., helps people who are under a certain income level navigate the legal system. Some people just can't afford a lawyer, so Pine Tree Legal Assistance helps those who can't.

The money will help those who are under-privileged fight discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status or national origin.

The Fair Housing Act covers the sale, rental, financing and advertising of most housing in the nation.

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