Adrianne Todman, Deputy Secretary | https://www.hud.gov/leadership#sec
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced an allocation of almost $90 million to enhance the safety and health of low-income families' homes, targeting various hazards such as lead-based paint, carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire safety, and asbestos. This initiative aligns with President Biden's Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, which aims to protect vulnerable communities from exposure to harmful substances in their living environments.
HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the importance of providing all families with a healthy living environment, stating, "All families across our Country deserve to live in a healthy home free from toxic lead exposure and other dangerous home health hazards." The funding opportunities announced by HUD contribute to fulfilling the commitments outlined in the Biden-Harris Administration's lead abatement plan.
The Housing-related Hazards Capital Fund (HRHCF) & Lead-based Paint Capital Fund Program (LBPCF) NOFO will offer grants to Public Housing Authorities and Indian Housing Authorities to identify and mitigate health hazards in public housing units. Given that most public housing was built before the ban on lead-based paint in 1978, the need for addressing lead-based paint hazards remains crucial, especially for young children who are more susceptible to lead poisoning.
Part of President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, these programs aim to ensure that a significant portion of federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities that have historically faced underinvestment and environmental challenges. In addition to the current funding opportunities, HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes will soon release grants to support lead hazard reduction efforts at the state and local levels.
Public Housing Authorities and Indian Housing Authorities have until July 1, 2024, to apply for the Housing-Related Hazards & Lead-Based Paint Capital Fund Program funding opportunity. By focusing on lead safety and other environmental hazards, the Biden-Harris Administration continues its commitment to safeguarding communities from the risks of lead exposure.
The comprehensive approach taken by HUD underscores the administration's dedication to promoting healthier and safer living conditions for families, particularly those in disadvantaged communities. The ongoing efforts to address lead-based paint hazards reflect a proactive stance in protecting the well-being of individuals and families across the country.
