HUD AWARDS $500,000 TO TWO OHIO COMMUNITIES TO PRODUCE 'GREENER' AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Canton and Franklin Co. to build and rehabilitate environmentally friendly, efficient housing

WASHINGTON - 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's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.