The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a significant investment of $3,920,000 for Lord Stirling Senior Housing in New Brunswick, New Jersey. This funding comes under the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and climate resilience for 38 HUD-subsidized homes.
HUD Assistant Secretary for Housing Julia Gordon and Deputy Assistant Secretary Ethan Handleman were present to highlight this award in New Brunswick. "HUD has awarded over $1.43 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," stated Agency Head Adrianne Todman.
The GRRP was established by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 to support energy efficiency improvements for multifamily properties under HUD’s rental assistance programs. The initiative aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which ensures that 40 percent of federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities.
Assistant Secretary Julia Gordon emphasized the program's impact: “The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program represents the best of what government can do here in New Brunswick and throughout the nation to enhance the homes of low-income individuals while also addressing the climate crisis.”
Lord Stirling Senior Housing is a 49-unit property where The Community Builders plans extensive renovations focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving resilience against climate hazards. Bart Mitchell, President and CEO of The Community Builders, expressed gratitude: “We’re grateful to HUD for this funding award... strengthening the foundation for long-term affordable, quality housing."
Mayor Jim Cahill remarked on its significance: “This nearly $4 million investment will bring essential upgrades... ensuring our seniors have safe, energy-efficient homes.” U.S. Representative Frank Pallone highlighted how it contributes to environmental health: “This funding will ensure our senior residents... have safe, energy-efficient housing.”
Melanie Walter from NJHMFA applauded this initiative as a vital investment in quality life improvement for seniors.
GRRP is noted as HUD's first program investing simultaneously in multiple areas like energy efficiency and renewable energy generation across affordable housing communities. To date, GRRP has funded projects affecting over 30,000 rental homes nationwide.
