The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced new guidance aimed at mitigating the impacts of extreme heat for nearly 1.6 million residents in public housing, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as older Americans, infants and young children, and individuals with chronic medical conditions.

Effective immediately, HUD's guidance to Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) clarifies steps that can be taken to reduce the threat of extreme heat by providing families relief during severe or extreme heat periods. The options include increasing utility allowances for residents or waiving surcharges for the use of cooling systems, enabling air conditioning usage during severe heat.

This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to lower home energy costs for public housing residents by simplifying the process of requesting relief for excess utility expenses. Richard Monocchio, HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, announced the new measures in Tucson, Arizona, alongside local PHA representatives and city and state officials who are addressing extreme heat conditions.

"We must protect the health and safety of our families during increasingly severe weather events, like extreme heat," stated Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. "As we transition into the Summer months, access to necessary cooling systems is vital for public housing residents."

Extreme heat is identified as a leading cause of weather-related deaths annually. HUD defines extreme heat as high temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit over two to three days but allows PHAs more flexibility in defining these conditions locally to better support their communities.

"Home should be a place of comfort," said Monocchio. "Nobody should have to risk heat-related illness residing in their own home. This Notice makes it easier for PHAs to help individuals and families afford air conditioning and reinforces their ability to create cooling centers."

PHAs can now provide relief from excess utility charges due to severe or extreme heat upon request from any family in public housing. The guidance facilitates rapid response to heat events and simplifies the process for residents seeking assistance.

For further information on extreme heat preparedness and available resources for climate resilience funding, visit HUD’s Extreme Heat webpage and HUDExchange's collection of resources.