The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the completion of a $750,000 transaction aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and climate resilience for affordable rental homes in Waldorf, Maryland. This initiative is part of the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), which seeks to modernize HUD-assisted housing.

Adrianne Todman, HUD Acting Secretary, emphasized the significance of this project: “Through the Inflation Reduction Act and the ongoing support of President Biden and Vice President Harris, HUD continues to deliver funding to modernize HUD-assisted housing and ensure these homes are resilient.” The improvements will include solar panels, energy-efficient heat pumps, and other upgrades at Wakefield Terrace.

Wakefield Terrace provides affordable housing for low-income families with rental assistance from HUD's Section 8 program. FH Wakefield Terrace LIHTC LP, the property owner, will utilize GRRP funds to cover part of the costs associated with these renovations. The upgrades are expected to generate 139.7kW of power through solar panels and include air source heat pumps, hot water heat pumps, high R-value insulation, as well as building envelope enhancements through air-seal testing.

Ethan Handelman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing Programs, expressed satisfaction with the transaction: “We are pleased to complete this Green and Resilient Retrofit Program funding transactions with FH Wakefield Terrace LIHTC LP, to help support the energy efficiency and climate resilience for the homes of Waldorf families.”

The GRRP is funded under the Inflation Reduction Act with a focus on improving energy or water efficiency in properties serving very low-income families. It aims to enhance indoor air quality, install zero-emission electricity generation equipment, use low-emission building materials, implement electrification strategies or improve climate resilience.

More details about GRRP can be found on its official website.