Michigan – As part of a national initiative to increase home safety and health, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently gave more than $16 million to several Michigan organizations. Particularly for low-income families and senior citizens, this money is part of nearly $226 million allocated across the country to improve living conditions and lower risks to health in households.
In Michigan, the grants are distributed under four different HUD programs: the Older Adults Home Modification Program, the Healthy Homes Production Grant Program, the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program, and the Healthy Homes Technical Studies Grant Program. From lead contamination to poor elderly access, these projects are meant to address a broad spectrum of structural and environmental problems.
Under the Healthy Homes Production Program, Battle Creek-based Community Action of South Central Michigan—among the recipients—has been granted $1.75 million. This significant money will help to improve the health and safety standards in 176 homes spread throughout five counties: Kalamazoo, Branch, Barry, St. Joseph, and Calhoun. The targeted homes belong to families with low or very low income, aiming to provide them safer and healthier living environments…