The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a $3.2 million investment to support renovations at Savannah Gardens Senior Residences in Georgia. This funding is part of the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), aimed at improving energy efficiency and climate resilience for more than 39 rental homes.
Ethan Handelman, HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing Programs, emphasized the importance of this award: “The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program is delivering on its promise right here in Savannah, helping to fund renovations that will help Mercy Housing enhance Savannah Gardens Senior Residences and make the homes of its low-income senior citizens more energy efficient, comfortable, and stronger in the face of severe weather events.”
HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman highlighted the broader impact of these efforts: “HUD has awarded over $1.1 billion through the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program to modernize housing for families across the country as the climate crisis continues to affect our most vulnerable communities.”
The GRRP was established by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. It aims to advance environmental justice through investments that benefit disadvantaged communities. To date, over $1.12 billion from this act has been allocated to 225 properties, improving nearly 26,000 rental homes.
Southeast Regional Administrator Jennifer Riley Collins noted: “GRRP Elements awards provide a unique opportunity to invest in innovative housing solutions that prioritize sustainability.”
Savannah Gardens Senior Residences is currently involved in HUD’s Section 202 project-based rental assistance program for low-income seniors. The recent funding will enable retrofits focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs while making homes more resilient to climate hazards.
The GRRP stands as HUD's first program targeting energy efficiency alongside renewable energy generation and low-embodied-carbon materials within multifamily housing projects. As of October 2024, funding has reached 225 properties across various regions including states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
