$140M in Grants Announced by HUD for Crucial Lead Abatement Efforts
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made a landmark announcement today, awarding nearly $140 million in grants to 36 state and local government agencies across 19 states. The aim? To shield children and families from the dangers of lead-based paint hazards and other potential home health risks.
This vital funding, provided through the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program and the newly launched Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building grant program, will go directly to the detection and elimination of hazardous lead and other health threats in the homes of low-income families. A significant part of these grants, more than $10 million, comes from HUD’s Healthy Homes Supplemental funding. This additional support aims to help communities deal with housing-related health and safety problems beyond just lead-based paint hazards.
A Groundbreaking Effort to Protect Vulnerable Families
These investments mark a tremendous step towards protecting over 3,400 low-income homes where other resources are absent. The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program, comprising two competitive grant categories, will award seven Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control grants, open to most local governments and states. It will also provide 21 Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration grants to local governments housing older homes that are more susceptible to lead-based paint hazards, including most states.
Moreover, the Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building grant program is extending eight smaller competitive grants to state and local governments that have not had Lead Hazard Reduction grants before. This unique approach is designed to help them cultivate the necessary infrastructure to embark on larger-scale programs in the future.
HUD Leadership Speaks Out
HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge expressed her thoughts, stating, “Today, we are renewing our steadfast commitment to improving the lives of children and their families. The funding provided today will enable communities to make the homes of families of limited means healthier, and improve their children’s school attendance rate, learning, and, eventually, job prospects.”
Matthew Ammon, Director of HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, emphasized HUD’s continued dedication, adding, “These grants continue HUD’s commitment to sustainable communities and providing healthy and safe homes for all. We are committed to protecting families from lead-based paint hazards and other hazards in their homes.”
A Strategic Move Towards Environmental Justice
This decisive action serves as an essential piece in HUD’s broader strategy to amplify environmental justice by minimizing exposure to health threats, environmental hazards, and substandard housing, with a particular focus on low-income households and communities of color. You can explore the detailed Fiscal Year 2022-2026 HUD Strategic Plan on HUD’s website.
A Closer Look at the Grants
A complete project-by-project summary of the programs awarded grants today is available here.
The grant sizes are as varied as the communities they aim to serve. They range from $654,507 for the Triangle J Council of Governments in North Carolina to a substantial $7,997,798 for the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
Conclusion
HUD’s investment of $140 million in grants is more than just a financial commitment; it’s a statement that echoes throughout the nation. It recognizes the urgency of addressing lead-based paint hazards and home health risks, especially in low-income households. By backing communities with funds, knowledge, and support, HUD is paving the way toward a future where every home is a safe haven.
