Fair Housing Foundation and HomeOwnership OC Partner to Receive $425,000 AnnualFair Housing Initiatives Grant to Fight Housing Discrimination

Fair Housing Foundation and HomeOwnership OC Partner to Receive $425,000 Annual Fair Housing Initiatives Grant to Fight Housing Discrimination

For Immediate Release – June 1, 2023         

 

Media Contact:
Christina Prado
1-800-446-3247 ext. 1104
[email protected]

 

Long Beach, CA – Fair Housing Foundation and HomeOwnership OC announced today that the nonprofit organizations have received a Fair Housing Initiatives (FHIP) Private Enforcement Initiatives (PEI) grant of $425,000 annually for 3 years from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The FHIP PEI grant will support their collaborative work to help enforce and educate on fair housing laws and end housing discrimination in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. The funds are provided through HUD’s Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) PEI which provides support to local nonprofit agencies to help assist individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination learn about options, file complaints, and resolve fair housing issues. The PEI grant also helps to educate the public and housing providers about their rights and responsibilities under federal law or state and local fair housing laws that are substantially equivalent to the Fair Housing Act.  The grant also provides funds for fair housing education, outreach and enforcement related services to individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination.

            “We are eager to continue expanding our fair housing enforcement efforts to combat housing discrimination in our communities,” said Stella Verdeja, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Foundation. “With this collaboration, we will enhance our fair housing program and services on fair housing laws to assist renters, homeowners, home seekers, and the housing industry. We are committed to advancing housing equality for everyone.”

           HOOC and FHF have partnered together on FHIP Education and Outreach Grants for the past 2 years and will now partner on this FHIP PEI grant to provide a strategic fair housing testing, enforcement and educational campaign that offers online fair housing educational workshops, Covid-19 rental and fair housing information, public service announcements, social media ads and updates to both of their websites to better serve the Orange and Los Angeles communities. “We are excited to be able to partner again with the Fair Housing Foundation to strategically expand our fair housing outreach and education to ensure our communities have the knowledge and resources to prevent and report housing discrimination,” said Connie Der Torossian, Executive Director of HomeOwnership OC.  “As we recover from the economic and housing impacts of Covid-19 and its unprecedented effect on our communities, it is very important for us to expand our programs that help renters, homeowners, home seekers and the housing industry recover, understand fair housing laws, and ensure housing is equally available to all individuals regardless of their protected class.” Individuals who have questions or feel they have experienced discrimination can call Fair Housing Foundation at 562.989.1206 or visit www.fhfca.org or HomeOwnership OC at 714.204.2314 or visit www.HomeOwnershipOC.org. 

 

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About Fair Housing Foundation
The Fair Housing Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1964 and is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone. FHF engages in activities including outreach and education, testing and investigation, and counteracting and eliminating discriminatory housing practices in both Los Angeles and

Orange Counties. The Fair Housing Foundation is a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency and also offers Rental Counseling. Please contact Fair Housing Foundation at 1-800-446-3247 (TTY: 1-800 855-7100) for more information.

About HomeOwnership OC
Homeownership OC is a nonprofit that promotes financial improvement, housing opportunities and homeownership. Formally known as OC HOC, our mission is to promote and preserve the dream of home ownership through outreach, education, counseling, and financing. Homeownership OC works to educate the public, especially the low income and underserved populations, on all aspects of owning or renting a home. We are a one stop shop and a free resource here to assist the community with all their housing related issues. From renting to buying a home, to credit improvement and more, Homeownership OC works to ensure the community has the most up to date information and comprehensive resources easily accessible. This includes offering individual housing counseling and educational workshops to help individuals better understand housing situations, build assets, and improve overall financial wellbeing. Since our inception in 2007, we have counseled more than 13,600 homeowners on options to save their home from foreclosure, credit, homeownership, and down payment programs and held more than 66 Home Preservation, Home Buying, Avoiding Real Estate Scams and Fraud, and Financial Educational Workshops throughout Orange County. 

 

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FHF Receives $75,000 Grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation

Fair Housing Foundation Receives $75,000 Grant
from the Wells Fargo Foundation to Keep Californian’s House

FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Christina Prado

1-800-446-3247 ext. 1104

[email protected]

 

 

Long Beach, CA – March 30, 2023 – Today, Fair Housing Foundation announced a $75,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation which will enable the organization to increase rental counseling services and the capacity to enhance marketing and outreach efforts to serve communities.

Since 2020, Wells Fargo Foundation has continued to provide support to national nonprofit housing intermediaries, local housing counselors, and nonprofit housing providers to support housing stability for renters and homeowners across the U.S. who are facing financial challenges. Strategies include expanding the capacity of housing counselors to respond to renters and homeowners as well as supporting nonprofits that provide affordable rental homes and services.

“Wells Fargo has a deep commitment to advance housing affordability solutions by supporting the work of housing counseling organizations as they serve a vital role in helping renters and homeowners facing financial difficulties,” said Stella Verdeja, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Foundation.

The Wells Fargo Foundation philanthropy strategy is focused on keeping people in their homes, small business support, and financial health in collaboration with national and local organizations.

In addition to Fair Housing Foundation, other Wells Fargo Foundation COVID-19 Housing Counseling Support grantees include: Enterprise Community Partners, GreenPath, HomeFree-USA, Housing Partnership Network, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, National Community Reinvestment Coalition, National Foundation for Credit Counseling, National Urban League, Navicore Solutions, NID Housing, NeighborWorks® America, Rural Community Assistance Corporation, UnidosUS and USA Homeownership Foundation DBA Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals.

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About Fair Housing Foundation

The Fair Housing Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1964 and is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone. FHF engages in activities including outreach and education, testing and investigation, and counteracting and eliminating discriminatory housing practices in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The Fair Housing Foundation is a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency and also offers Rental Counseling. Please contact Fair Housing Foundation at 1-800-446-3247 (TTY: 1-800 855-7100) for more information.

 

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.98 trillion in assets. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 7,400 locations, more than 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 31 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 263,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 29 on Fortune’s 2019 rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

 

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2023 Youth Poster Contest

2023 Fair Housing Youth Poster Contest has Launched!

February, 2023 – On your art! Get set… Go! Our annual Fair Housing Poster contest is back! The contest is open to students in 4th through 8th grade. Students must create a poster on any size paper with this year’s theme “Fair Housing: My Right!” and submit a picture in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format to: cprado@fhfca.org

1st Place – Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones in Blue

2nd Place – $75 Amazon Gift card 

3rd Place – $50 Gaming Gift Card 

Rules: 

  • Open to youth in 4th-8th grade
  • Create a poster on any size paper
  • No zip code restrictions
  • Take a picture and submit posters via email in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format to: [email protected].
  • Include child’s name, phone #, age, grade, and school
  • All posters should contain wording and imagery that conveys this year’s theme.
  • Due Date: 4/20/23

The contest will take place during FHF’s annual event with welcomed partners also celebrating Affordable and Fair Housing Months — The Kennedy Commission.   Attendees and social media subscribers will be able to vote on their favorite artwork during the event and via Social Media.

Good Luck!

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Press Release: Fair Housing Foundation Awarded $30,000 Donation from Pennymac Corporate Philanthropy Program

Fair Housing Foundation Awarded $30,000 Donation from Pennymac Corporate Philanthropy Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Christina Prado
1-800-446-3247 ext. 1104
[email protected]

 

Long Beach, CA, February 15, 2023 – Pennymac is celebrating 15 years of “becoming the most respected and trusted lender within the industry, [and] are proud to have successfully helped over 4 million lifetime homeowners across the country achieve their aspirations of home.” As part of their celebration, Pennymac has awarded Fair Housing Foundation with a donation of $30,000 to continue the ongoing mission of eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone.

“Thank you Pennymac for your great generosity! We, at the Fair Housing Foundation greatly appreciate your donation, and your support is invaluable to us,” stated Stella Verdeja, Executive Director.

Thanks to Pennymac’s generous contribution, FHF will be able to reach more families, address more questions, and assist with more issues to create stronger homes and even stronger communities. The resources provided will be focused on enhancing programs that provide education and training around fair housing rights and expectations, enhance awareness on the services and programs available, and allow for more people to thrive in their homes and neighborhoods in the confidence that Fair Housing Foundation is on your side.

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About Fair Housing Foundation

The Fair Housing Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1964 and is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone. FHF engages in activities including outreach and education, testing and investigation, and counteracting and eliminating discriminatory housing practices in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The Fair Housing Foundation is a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency and also offers Rental Counseling. Please contact Fair Housing Foundation at 1-800-446-3247 (TTY: 1-800 855-7100) for more information.

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Press Release: FHF Welcomes Lancaster to the FHF Service Area

FHF Welcomes Lancaster to the FHF Service Area

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Christina Prado

1-800-446-3247 ext. 1104

[email protected]

Los Angeles County, CA, January 2023- Fair Housing Foundation (FHF) welcomes the 2023 New Year with adding Lancaster to the growing FHF service area. FHF has been servicing the Los Angeles and Orange County areas since 1964 as one of the fair housing enforcement and education agencies that was created after the implementation of the federal Fair Housing Act. With the addition of the city of Hawthorne last fall, and now the city of Lancaster, FHF now proudly serves 26 cities in the SoCal area.

“We are extremely excited to begin this new partnership with the city of Lancaster. The FHF team has already started promoting fair housing and are eager to provide guidance to the residents and housing providers within the city,” said Stella Verdeja, Executive Director.

In this new collaboration, FHF looks forward to building a strong relationship with the city and offering the fair housing services and resources that are now available to all Lancaster residents. Landlords and tenants alike are now able to benefit from using the FHF Hotline for questions on rights and responsibilities, attend a workshop to learn about basic fair housing, have discrimination investigated, improve financial health by participating in the Rental Counseling Program and more.

Each city also works in collaboration with FHF by inviting FHF to host free educational workshops, promoting FHF as the fair housing service provider, and issuing city-wide proclamations during the upcoming Fair Housing Month in April- acknowledging the importance in promoting equality in housing choices for everyone.

More than just a fair housing non-profit, FHF encourages community well-being at different levels through cities, schools, community non-profits, property management organizations, and city residents through advocacy, support, education, and awareness. FHF now proudly welcomes the city of Lancaster.

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About Fair Housing Foundation

The Fair Housing Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1964 and is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone. FHF engages in activities including outreach and education, testing and investigation, and counteracting and eliminating discriminatory housing practices in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The Fair Housing Foundation is a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency and also offers Rental Counseling. Please contact Fair Housing Foundation at 1-800-446-3247 (TTY: 1-800 855-7100) for more information.

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Press Release: FHF Successfully Resolved Two Familial Status Cases in the County o

FHF Successfully Resolved Two Familial Status Cases in the County of Orange Involving Over Occupancy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Christina Prado

1-800-446-3247 ext. 1104

[email protected]

 

Garden Grove and Westminster, CA- The Fair Housing Foundation received two separate complaints from two different tenants with similar situations. The clients contacted FHF in May 2022 seeking advice about their fair housing rights regarding familial status discrimination. Both tenants had been living at their residences over 4 years or more and received a 3-Day Notice to Cure or Quit issued by the management company notifying the tenants that they were allegedly in violation of the rental and occupancy criteria guidelines. Per the management company, one way to cure the notice was to remove one unauthorized occupant to comply with occupancy limits from their unit within three days of the notice. Both tenants in each scenario were faced with a critical decision to make- the possibility of facing eviction or removing one of the minor children and/or one parent from the apartment in order to comply with management’s Occupancy Criteria Guidelines.

Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers may not discriminate due to familial status. The guidelines set forth regarding the maximum number of occupants permitted to occupy a dwelling are standard guides set for reference by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Therefore, FHF contacted both management companies and were able to obtain a successful resolution. The 3-Day Notice to Cure or Quit was rescinded and tenants were allowed to remain in their current apartment without being put at risk of facing eviction.

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The Fair Housing Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1964 and is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone. FHF engages in activities including outreach and education, testing and investigation, and counteracting and eliminating discriminatory housing practices in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The Fair Housing Foundation is a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency and also offers Rental Counseling. Please contact Fair Housing Foundation at 1-800-446-3247 (TTY: 1-800 855-7100) for more information.

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Press Release: FHF and Attorney Michelle Uzeta Resolved a Case of Disability Discrimination

FHF and Attorney Michelle Uzeta Resolved a Case of Disability Discrimination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Christina Prado

1-800-446-3247 ext. 1104

[email protected]

 

Bellflower, CA- The client had moved into the complaint property on or around November 16, 2021 and had contacted the Fair Housing Foundation (FHF) in April 2022 to seek advice on their fair housing rights regarding disability discrimination and assistance with a reasonable accommodation request. The client did not know how to approach the property manager to make them aware of her need for an assistance animal to aid in the mitigation of her symptoms as prescribed by a health care provider. Initially, the client had not moved in with her cat as she had been homeless, and the assistance animal was temporarily with the client’s daughter. After a month of residence, the client was then able to move the cat in with her at the property. After five months of living at the property, the client was then issued a notice to remove the “unauthorized pet” from the premises. The client was then able to notify the property manager that the cat was an assistance animal meant to ameliorate the client’s disability differentiating that animal from a service animal and pet. Despite having provided the property manager with supporting documents, the client was issued a 90-Day Notice of Termination of Tenancy.

FHF was then able to get involved to assist in communication with the property manager on behalf of the client. The legal counsel representing the apartment complex/owner informed FHF that the 60-Day Notice of Termination of Tenancy would not be rescinded on the basis that the notice of an assistance animal was a breach of the rental agreement/ application and could constitute fraud since it was not disclosed upon leasing the apartment. By taking this response, the landlords and their counsel also failed to engage in the “interactive process,” or good-faith dialogue with the client’s disability-related need for the accommodation.

Therefore, FHF was able to obtain the assistance from Ms. Michelle Uzeta, a civil rights attorney to advocate on behalf of the client. Ms. Uzeta was able to submit a letter to the landlord’s legal counsel informing them of the client’s rights to her assistance animal as protected by the law. A successful resolution was then reached where the client’s 90-Day Notice of Termination of Tenancy was rescinded, and her residence would continue in the current apartment with her assistance animal. Both FHF and the client are grateful to the assistance and advocacy of Ms. Uzeta in resolving this matter.

 

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The Fair Housing Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1964 and is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone. FHF engages in activities including outreach and education, testing and investigation, and counteracting and eliminating discriminatory housing practices in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The Fair Housing Foundation is a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency and also offers Rental Counseling. Please contact Fair Housing Foundation at 1-800-446-3247 (TTY: 1-800 855-7100) for more information.

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Press Release: FHF Recognized by the State of California’s Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency

Fair Housing Foundation Recognized by the State of California's Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Christina Prado
1-800-446-3247 ext. 1104
[email protected]

Sacramento, CA May 2, 2022- The Fair Housing Foundation has been recognized by the state of California for being one of the State’s Local Partner Network organizations that illustrates the significance of the state’s efforts to keep families housed and prevent evictions via the emergency relief program.

 

“‘Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have worked hard to stand up the state rental assistance program- the largest in the nation- to help families in need remain housed during the emergency,’ said Gustavo Velasquez, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, which administers the state program.”

 

FHF was recognized in the following statement: “Alisha, a Los Angeles County Resident, received funding through the state program that helped her during the pandemic and was assisted by the Fair Housing Foundation in the Los Angeles area, one of the rent relief program’s Local Partner Network (LPN) organizations.”

 

FHF is proud to continue our dedication toward eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone.

 

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About Fair Housing Foundation

The Fair Housing Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1964 and is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone. FHF engages in activities including outreach and education, testing and investigation, and counteracting and eliminating discriminatory housing practices in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The Fair Housing Foundation is a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency and also offers Rental Counseling. Please contact Fair Housing Foundation at 1-800-446-3247 (TTY: 1-800 855-7100) for more information.

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Press Release: Fair Housing Foundation Receives $30,000 Donation from PennyMac Corporate Philanthropy Program​

Fair Housing Foundation Receives $30,000 Donation from PennyMac Corporate Philanthropy Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Melanie Silberberg
1-800-446-3247 ext. 1111
[email protected]

Long Beach, CA – To help support and address equality in housing, PennyMac presented a $30,000 donation to the Fair Housing Foundation (FHF).

 

The donation was given in recognition of Fair Housing Foundation’s dedication to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone. FHF actively supports and promotes freedom of residence through education, advocacy, and litigation, to ensure that all persons have the opportunity to secure safe and decent housing that they desire and can afford, without regard to their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, familial status, marital status, disability, ancestry, age, source of income or other characteristics protected by laws.

 

The unrestricted donation will be prioritized for education, counseling services, and outreach activities that:

  • Help develop innovative ways to better inform the public of fair housing laws and their rights and responsibilities
  • Increase Fair Housing training opportunities throughout our service area
  • Streamline assistance to clients

“We cannot express how appreciative we are for this generous gift. Our agency provides programs that are vital to the constituents of the cities we service. We educate not only on landlord/tenant rights or housing discrimination, but on how our communities can work together. If everyone understands their role and how they can contribute, it creates a beautiful place where anyone would want to live. I sincerely want to thank PennyMac for valuing our mission of eliminating housing discrimination and choosing us to be the representatives for such an important message,” said Stella Verdeja, Executive Director. “

 

This support will allow the FHF to advance its work in education the community and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone.

 

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About Fair Housing Foundation

The Fair Housing Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1964 and is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone. FHF engages in activities including outreach and education, testing and investigation, and counteracting and eliminating discriminatory housing practices in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The Fair Housing Foundation is a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency and also offers Rental Counseling. Please contact Fair Housing Foundation at 1-800-446-3247 (TTY: 1-800 855-7100) for more information.

 

About PennyMac

Pennymac was founded when a team of executives who came together with a shared vision at a time when the county needed it most. Their vision is to be the most trusted partners for home. Pennymac is always pursuing their mission of building the foundation of homeownership by enabling Americans to achieve and sustain their aspirations of home. As a company, they value three major areas: Accountability, Reliability and always remaining Ethical. They are committed to these traits because they believe it shows commitment and builds positive relationships with their borrowers, partners and stakeholders.    

Please contact PennyMac at https://www.pennymac.com

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Press Release: FHF Settles a Source of Income Discrimination Case involving a denial of an apartment because of Section 8 Status.

FHF Settles a Source of Income Discrimination Case involving a denial of an apartment because of Section 8 Status.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Melanie Silberberg
1-800-446-3247 ext. 1111
[email protected]

Long Beach – February 11, 2022 The Fair Housing Foundation (FHF) reached a settlement on a Source of Income case for the city of Long Beach. In taking proactive steps in combating housing discrimination, FHF randomly selected properties to test for Source of Income. As a result of our investigation, we found that the housing provider was denying access to individuals with Section 8 Vouchers. Shortly thereafter FHF received a complaint for that same property where the prospective tenant was told, “Sorry we are not set up for Section 8, nor do we plan to.” Through our conciliatory efforts the Case Analyst was able to come to an agreement with the housing provider. The housing provider agreed to pay the complainant a monetary sum, take a minimum of a three (3) hour fair housing training course that covers Source of Income protections, and implement a policy regarding Source of Income, along with displaying Fair Housing posters.

If you believe you may have experienced discriminated based on source of income or any other protected class under federal or California law, please contact the Fair Housing Foundation to complete an interview. Contact FHF at 1-800-446-3247 (TTY: 1-800 855-7100) or [email protected].

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The Fair Housing Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1964 and is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone. FHF engages in activities including outreach and education, testing and investigation, and counteracting and eliminating discriminatory housing practices in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The Fair Housing Foundation is a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency and also offers Rental Counseling. Please contact Fair Housing Foundation at 1-800-446-3247 (TTY: 1-800 855-7100) for more information.

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