The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded nearly $10.4 million to Public Housing Agencies (PHA) to make needed capital improvements in public housing developments that serve to enhance safety and security for residents.
“Safety in public housing is a top priority at HUD,” said Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “These funds will help identify and address opportunities to invest in physical improvements and to advance the health and safety of public housing residents.”
The funds are awarded through HUD’s Capital Fund Emergency Safety and Security Program, which supports public housing authorities as they address the safety of public housing residents. These grants may be used to install, repair, or replace capital equipment or systems that contribute to a safer living environment for residents, including security systems/surveillance cameras, fencing, lighting systems, emergency alarm systems, window bars, deadbolt locks, doors, and carbon monoxide detectors.
With these set-aside funds, Congress may appropriate specific funding for safety and security, including measures necessary to address crime and drug-related activity. The HUD Department of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) can further elect to include costs related to the purchase, repair, replacement, and installation of carbon monoxide detectors as eligible activities. This is a proactive approach to eliminate the possibility of carbon monoxide in public housing developments.
These funds also support the Biden-Harris administration’s Comprehensive Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gun Crime and Ensure Public Safety. This strategy is highly preventative by implementing proven measures to reducing violent crime and attacking its root causes. This includes stemming the flow of firearms used to commit crimes, invest in evidence-based community violence interventions, and support local law enforcement with federal tools and resources.
See the full list of awardees here.