Gary, Hammond Human Relations panels win grant

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants have been awarded to the Gary Human Relations Commission and the Hammond Human Relations Commission.

The grants were announced by U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville.

The Gary Human Relations Commission will use its $44,820 grant to work with the Gary Mayor's Organization on Disabilities and Continuum of Care-Northwest Indiana /Indiana Planning Council on the Homeless to increase outreach and raise awareness of housing rights.

The $75,000 grant awarded to the Hammond Human Relations Commission will go toward its education and outreach efforts with Woman Against Violence; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; people with disabilities and other underserved and special needs groups, according to the press release.