The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)recently awarded more than $226 million to state, county, city and tribal governments, and to nonprofits, to protect children and families from home health hazards.
Among recipients is the nonprofit Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, which got just over $1 million for its Older Adults Home Modification Program. The funding will pay for complete safety and functional home modifications and limited repairs to primary residences of 264 eligible senior homeowners and renters over 62 with low or very low income.
The nonprofit’s work will improve general safety, increase accessibility and improve residents’ functional abilities in the home for their safe and successful aging in place.
“We commend the efforts of our public and nonprofit partners as we seek to make homes safer,” said HUD’s agency head, Adrianne Todman. “These grants fund programs and research that will improve health, build community capacity, support older adults and strengthen housing affordability.”
“By providing these grants, HUD makes it clear that making homes healthy and safe is a priority for communities,” explained Matthew Arrmon, director of the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. “HUD is committed to protecting families from the effects of unhealthy housing and to improving the health and economic stability of communities.”
“HUD’s Healthy Homes grants go a long way in helping homeowners and renters improve their living spaces and ensure their safety,” noted Alicka Ampry-Samuel, a HUD regional administrator for New Jersey and New York.
“While home maintenance is always important, these grants prioritize the health and safety of families, an often overlooked area when budgets are limited,” she added. “Addressing issues like lead poisoning and fall prevention promptly supports the well being of both young children and elderly residents.”
