City of Lincoln, NE
01/07/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/07/2025 15:34
City Receives $1 Million Award to Address Home Hazards
City Receives $1 Million Award to Address Home Hazards
Published on January 07, 2025
The City of Lincoln today announced it has received a $1 million Healthy Homes Production Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The grant is part of $226 million awarded nationally by HUD to protect families from home health hazards like roofing leaks, dust and contaminants, poor ventilation, inadequate temperatures, and dangerous surfaces.
"With this award, the City of Lincoln will accelerate our work to ensure that everyone in our community has a safe and healthy place to call home," said Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird. "We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for this latest investment in Lincoln that will improve health, safety, and quality of life for scores of local families."
Peter Hind, Urban Development Director, said the funds will be used in Lincoln to address health and safety hazards in 42 homes for families in privately owned, low-income rental and/or owner-occupied housing, especially those where children, residents age 62 years and older, or persons with disabilities reside.
Examples of areas for home improvements include stairs, handrails, drainage, electrical deficiencies, ventilation, safety equipment, and sanitary upgrades. Each grant will be limited to $12,000 per unit.
"This funding will allow our Lead Safe Lincoln team, a partnership between the Urban Development Department and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, to continue and expand our critical work to create safe homes for Lincoln families," Hind said.
The Healthy Homes grant will be administered by the Urban Development Department as part of the City's Lead Safe Lincoln program. Lead Safe Lincoln staff will coordinate completion of home improvements. Hind said Lincoln anticipates launching the program this spring, following contract execution and program development with HUD officials.
Families may inquire about the application process by contacting the Urban Development Department at 402-441-7126.