WASHINGTON, DC – June 12, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded two $250,000 grants to Canton, Ohio and Franklin County, Ohio to produce environmentally friendly, energy efficient housing. Each community intends to work with nonprofit Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) to either construct or rehabilitate affordable housing units that are ENERGY STAR certified upon completion.
HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said “These homes will help meet a growing demand for smarter housing that offers families healthier homes, lower utility bills and a cleaner environment.”
The City of Canton will use its $250,000 grant award to fund Freed Housing Corporation, a local CHDO, to construct six new homeownership units of Energy Star certified housing on a city-owned site at Sixth Street and High Avenue in the Northwest section of the City. All units will be certified by an independent HOME Energy Rater (HER) as meeting the ENERGY STAR criteria. At least one home will incorporate accessible visibility standards and universal design. All units assisted with the grant award will be affordable to low-income families. Canton will ensure that its CHDO also uses sustainable site designs; installs water conserving fixtures, energy-efficient appliances and lighting; uses materials from renewable sources or with recycled content; uses low VOC paints and sealants and formaldehyde-free composite wood; uses mold prevention techniques; and gives residents an instruction manual that provides information on how to maintain the Green features of their homes.
Franklin County will use its $250,000 grant to fund Homes on the Hill Community Development Corporation, a local CHDO, to substantially rehabilitate eight units of Energy Star certified housing. Energy Star housing units must meet guidelines for energy efficiency established by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, and beat least 15 percent more energy efficient. Franklin County will ensure that its CHDO installs water conserving fixtures, energy-efficient appliances and lighting; implements a construction waste-management plan; uses low VOC paints and sealants and formaldehyde-free composite wood; uses mold prevention techniques; and gives residents an instruction manual that provides information on how to maintain the Green features of their homes. All units assisted with the grant award will be affordable to low-income families.
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HUD is the nation’s housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation’s fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.
Lemar Wooley
(202) 708-0980