federal funds boost home improvements in greater baltimore area

In Columbia, Maryland, a significant influx of federal funding is being directed towards home improvements in Howard County. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a $2 million grant to a non-profit organization, which aims to enhance homes' resilience against climate change while simultaneously reducing utility costs for families. This initiative is particularly focused on assisting low-income households, which often reside in substandard living conditions. The funding will enable the non-profit to expand its weatherization program, which previously helped 21 homes with $250,000 in local funding. Homeowners like Sneed have already benefited from new heating systems, insulation, and roofs, leading to improved comfort and lower energy bills. Sneed expressed her satisfaction with the upgrades, noting that her home feels cooler in the summer and is expected to be less drafty in winter. Additionally, the non-profit is collaborating with the Howard County Office of Aging and Independence to support senior homeowners, who received over $1.1 million this year through HUD's Older Adult Home Modification Grant. This partnership aims to address the specific needs of older adults living in inadequate housing conditions. While the grants received this year make the organizations ineligible for the same funding next year, they can reapply in subsequent years. The commitment from HUD to continue funding these initiatives highlights the importance of improving living conditions for vulnerable populations in the Greater Baltimore area.