On September 13, HUD awarded approximately $18 million to affordable housing providers under the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP). The funds will support upgrades to HUD-assisted Multifamily Housing communities to advance energy efficiency and climate resilience. This is the first round of GRRP awards to be released, with additional rounds to be awarded throughout 2023 and 2024.

According to a press release from HUD, the first round of awards will benefit 28 affordable housing communities serving more than 3,400 low-income households, including older adults and people with disabilities.

Following congressional funding for the program through the Inflation Reduction Act, LeadingAge advocated with HUD to focus on equity and scalability in the funds distribution to project-based Section 8, Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly, and Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities in the form of grants or loans. LeadingAge also recommended “standard” energy efficiency and climate resilience projects that HUD should deem eligible for the funds.

HUD responded by establishing three cohorts of funding at different threshold levels. HUD made the September 13 wave of funding commitments through the “Elements” award category. Elements awards provide funding to improve energy and water efficiency, and to build climate resilience at properties that are already in the process of development or rehabilitation. Funds can be used add green “elements” to the project, including fire-resistant roods, solar power systems, energy efficient windows, and more.

Forthcoming funding awards include “Leading Edge” and “Comprehensive” projects to make green improvements. HUD is accepting applications in waves to allow providers to apply throughout the coming year. For more information on the GRRP, click here. To read HUD’s press release with the list of awardees, click here.