HUD Provides First-Ever Grant Funds for Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Sometimes grant funds can go to good use for the smallest of things; even to protect families and individuals from something that’s invisible.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) yesterday awarded $5 million to public housing agencies in 28 states for the purchase and installation of carbon monoxide detectors in public housing units where they are necessary. This marks the first time that the agency has provided grants specifically for such detectors, which can warn residents about high levels of the dangerous colorless, odorless gas. The funds were issued through the Emergency Safety and Security Program.

“Carbon monoxide detectors provide an effective tool to help ensure a healthy home for the individuals and families we serve,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “These grants represent an important step in fulfilling our mission of safe housing for all residents.”

Starting with these awards, HUD plans to make carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in assisted housing where there are combustion-based appliances and/or an attached garage. The agency sent a notice to all public housing authorities and private owners of HUD-subsidized housing reminding and encouraging them to install these detectors in their properties, where not already required by state and local law. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of fuel-fired combustion appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters, and if not properly vented, this undetectable gas can be dangerous and even deadly.

HUD also awarded $2.7 billion to public housing agencies in February to repair, renovate and/or modernize public housing in their communities. Although not specifically designed for this particular purpose under the program, a portion of this funding can be used to purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors.

Should the circumstances arrive that these detectors prove life-saving, these grant funds will be well worth it.

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Federal Grants Forum: Portland, OR | May 13 – 15, 2020
Federal Grants Forum: Chicago, IL | August 12 – 14, 2020
Federal Grants Forum: Denver, CO | October 7 – 9, 2020

Learn more at http://grants.thompson.com/conferences.aspx.