The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the allocation of over $226 million to various governmental and non-profit entities across the United States, including state, county, city, Tribal governments, and organizations. This funding aims to protect children and families from health hazards within homes.
This initiative will cover 33 states, four Tribes, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. It seeks to address significant health and safety issues in homes while boosting local capacities for lead hazard control and other healthy home interventions. The program also focuses on developing local workforces by training housing renovation contractors and hazard assessment professionals.
HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman stated: “We commend the efforts of our public and nonprofit partners as we seek to make homes safer. These grants fund programs and research will improve health, build community capacity, support older adults, and strengthen housing affordability.”
Matthew Ammon from HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes emphasized: “By providing these grants, HUD makes it clear that making homes healthy and safe is a priority for communities. HUD is committed to protecting families from the effects of unhealthy housing and to improving the health and economic stability of communities.”
The awards are distributed through four specific grant programs:
1. **Helping Seniors Live Independently:** Over $109 million is allocated to 67 government agencies and non-profits under the Older Adults Home Modification Program. This funding will facilitate modifications in senior renters' or homeowners' residences based on assessments by certified occupational therapists.
2. **Addressing Multiple Health Hazards:** More than $93 million goes to 52 agencies under the Healthy Homes Production grant program aimed at addressing multiple home hazards simultaneously.
3. **Lead Poisoning Prevention:** Over $12 million is designated for two local government agencies via the Lead Hazard Reduction grant program with additional funds provided for related housing issues.
4. **Research on Housing-Related Hazards:** Approximately $9 million supports nine research institutions under the Healthy Homes Technical Studies grant program focusing on long-term effects of interventions addressing lead exposure among other risks.
These measures aim not only at direct improvements but also at preserving affordable housing stock while enhancing community health standards.
