New figures from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development show a 65-percent increase in fair housing complaints in Mississippi.

Complaints rose 44 percent nationwide in fiscal 2008, but in Mississippi they increased from 54 in fiscal 2007 to 89 in the past year. The complaints were filed in 35 counties, with 11 in Harrison County. There were 9 in Hinds and 7 in DeSoto.

William Everette, director of the Mississippi Fair Housing Center in Gulfport, says the increase is a positive sign that people are more aware of housing discrimination.

Harrison County led the state in complaints and Everette says that’s likely because his center and other agencies are giving the community a greater awareness of housing discrimination.