A new funding opportunity from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) promotes safe and long-lasting homes by offering qualifying groups support toward repairs and rehabilitation of low-income housing.
The first round of this funding opportunity from OHA's Healthy Homes Grant Program (HHGP) aims to improve health and safety, maximize energy efficiency and extend usable life of both rented and owned low-income residences.
Possible repairs include, but are not limited to structural renovations for improving home access such as wheelchair ramps; upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; and mold and mildew abatement.
OHA officials said renovations can help protect people from extreme heat and cold, and keep indoor air clean from wildfire smoke, asthma triggers and allergens. Older and very young people with pre-existing health conditions are all at higher risk of health impacts from these hazards.
The new grant money can also help pay for mitigation efforts against radon, an invisible gas that builds up in home and puts people's health at risk through prolonged exposure. Because hiring qualified contractors for this work can be expensive, this grant offers additional support for these services.
Details on eligibility requirements are available on OHHGP's Request for Grant Application webpage. Qualifying groups are asked to submit their "Intent to Apply" by Friday, February 23rd, at 3 p.m. before sending a complete application by April 9th at 3 p.m..
