Last week, Americans across the nation experienced record-high temperatures, significantly impacting businesses, homes, and communities. In response, the Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have implemented measures to protect families from these severe climate conditions.
“In recent days, we have seen just how dangerous extreme heat is to the fabric of American communities – particularly our most vulnerable residents,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “HUD is assisting our partners on the ground to ensure that we protect the households we serve from the effects of extreme heat and keep families cool this summer.”
On June 13, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing Richard Monocchio visited Tucson, Arizona to announce new guidance for Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). This guidance aims to reduce the threat of extreme heat by providing relief during severe or extreme heat periods. It allows PHAs to increase utility allowances or waive surcharges for cooling usage so residents can use air conditioning during such periods. The initiative not only ensures safety and health but also reduces home energy costs by facilitating requests for excess utility expense relief.
The guidance offers PHAs additional cooling strategies beyond air-conditioning provision. While HUD defines extreme heat as a period with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days, it permits PHAs more local control in defining severe or extreme heat conditions.
In April, as part of Earth Week initiatives by the Biden-Harris Administration, HUD launched a webpage dedicated to Extreme Heat. This serves as a hub highlighting community actions for preparing and responding to extreme heat events along with available resources for climate resilience projects. Additionally, HUD introduced an Extreme Heat Quick Guide and hosted a webinar focused on community resilience against both extreme heat and cold.
Furthermore, on May 23, 2024, HUD conducted a stakeholder briefing informing partners about resources available to mitigate extreme heat impacts.
HUD is collaborating with over 20 Federal agencies through the National Integrated Heat Health Information System to raise awareness about extreme heat dangers and develop solutions mitigating its adverse effects nationwide. In partnership with NOAA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HUD announced plans to map urban heat islands across 14 American communities.
These efforts are ongoing as every day brings new resources and opportunities from the Biden-Harris Administration and HUD aimed at protecting communities from extreme heat. For more information on preparedness, response strategies, and climate resilience funding resources related to extreme heat, visit HUD’s Extreme Heat webpage.
