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Committee approves acceptance of $2 million HUD Healthy Homes grant for owner-occupied repairs
Summary
The committee recommended approval of a $2 million HUD Healthy Homes grant to pay for moisture control, radon testing and remediation, ventilation, pest control and other healthy‑home repairs in about 123 owner‑occupied Milwaukee houses.
The committee recommended approval of a resolution authorizing the city to accept a $2 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Healthy Homes Production Grant for home repairs and healthy‑home upgrades.
City Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO) staff said the grant will fund healthy‑home interventions delivered alongside existing lead abatement and energy‑efficiency work. ECO officials said the program will focus on owner‑occupied homes already receiving lead abatement services and estimated that the new HUD funds would help about 123 homes receive additional repairs and upgrades. The grant will run 42 months, with a tentative program launch in August 2025.
Why it matters: ECO said the project advances the city’s climate and equity plan by pairing lead hazard abatement with interventions that lower long‑term energy burden and reduce health risks. ECO staff and Milwaukee Health Department referrals are expected to prioritize homes where a child has tested with an elevated blood‑lead level.
How it will work: ECO staff said Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity will be a subrecipient and serve as general contractor to manage relocation when needed, scope and bid work, and construct repairs for owner‑occupied homes only. ECO estimated a project budget of roughly $9,100 per home in grant funds, which will supplement existing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and health‑department lead‑hazard funding used as match. ECO said $220,000 of ARPA funds from the health department will be used as match on the grant.
Eligibility and administration: ECO staff reported HUD standard terms apply and that staff are in regular contact with HUD. Eligibility was described as households at or below 80% of area median income or households enrolled in city housing programs, with a main point of entry being cases brought by the Milwaukee Health Department following elevated blood‑lead screenings in children.
Committee action and follow‑up: Alderman Russell Stamper II moved to recommend adoption; the file advanced after committee members raised questions about selection and prioritization of the roughly 123 homes. ECO staff agreed to return with further details from the Milwaukee Health Department on prioritization, entry and the selection process.
What’s next: ECO said it will confirm prioritization criteria with the Milwaukee Health Department and bring additional details back to the committee before program launch.
Ending: The committee’s approval clears a city step needed to accept the HUD funds; ECO will return with follow‑up details on household selection and the interplay with existing lead‑hazard programs.
