WORCESTER—The city has been awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address health-related hazards in 90 housing units, the Executive Office of Economic Development announced Tuesday.
The grant focuses on violations that pose immediate threats to residents’ safety and health, including lead, asbestos, mold, water and gas leaks, fire safety concerns, and more. Priority is given to violations cited by building, sanitary, and fire code enforcement officials.
“These funds will play an incredibly important role in providing healthy home-related repairs,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista in the announcement. “Those repairs will save our residents money by preventing medical costs associated with emergency room visits due to home health hazards, lost days of school and work, and high utility bills related to poor energy efficiency.”
Worcester has one of the oldest housing stocks in the country, with 78% of homes built before 1978. Many properties have suffered from deferred maintenance, posing risks to children, elders, and families.
“This grant provides an upstream response to the root causes of many health issues caused by Worcester’s aging undermaintained housing stock that disproportionately affects many of the city’s most vulnerable and underserved populations,” said Jim Brooks, director of Housing Development & Healthy Homes, in a statement.
The city is partnering with the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) to manage outreach and applications for the program, which is expected to launch in spring 2025. WCAC, a trusted resource for low- and moderate-income families, will play a key role in ensuring eligible residents access the funding.
The Worcester Guardian is an independent nonprofit news organization. Support local journalism by making a DONATION today.
