U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), executive division of the U.S. federal government responsible for carrying out government housing and community development programs. Established in 1965 under Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson, it ensures equal access to housing and community-based employment opportunities; finances new housing, public housing, and housing rehabilitation projects; insures mortgages; and carries out programs that serve the housing needs of low-income and minority families and the elderly, the disabled, and the mentally ill. It also protects consumers against fraudulent practices by land developers, ensures the safety of manufactured homes, and defends homebuyers against abusive mortgage-loan practices.