The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is committing nearly $10.4 million to help enhance the safety and security of public housing residents.
Overall, 61 public housing authorities (PHAs) are receiving grants to make needed capital improvements at their public housing developments. The awards can be used to install, repair, or replace equipment such as surveillance cameras, fencing, and carbon monoxide detectors that contribute to a safer environment.
“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 being awarded through the agency’s Capital Fund Emergency Safety and Security program, which supports public housing authorities address the safety of residents. For example, the Gainesville Housing Authority in Florida is receiving a $250,000 award to purchase surveillance cameras, doors, and carbon monoxide detectors for several of its developments.
The New York City Housing Authority, the nation’s largest PHA, is also getting $250,000 to buy surveillance cameras. A number of small PHAs have also been selected to receive funds, including the Fort Scott Housing Authority in Kansas, which is getting $4,500 for carbon monoxide detectors, according to HUD.
“We’ve heard from our partners that strategic investments in physical improvements can have a significant impact on the health and safety of our public housing communities for the families that call them home,” said Dominique Blom, general deputy assistant secretary for HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH). “The Emergency Safety and Security grant awards are an important tool to make public housing more safe for hundreds of families, elderly and persons with disabilities.”
The federal agency shared the full list of awardees here.
With these set-aside funds, Congress may appropriate specific funding for safety and security, including measures necessary to address crime and drug-related activity. HUD's PIH can further elect to include costs related to the purchase, repair, replacement, and installation of carbon monoxide detectors as eligible activities.
According to HUD, these funds also support the Biden-Harris administration’s Comprehensive Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gun Crime and Ensure Public Safety.
