1. Worcester Healthy Homes Funding Overview
A proactive approach to addressing Health Issues related to Housing
A brief overview
James A Brooks
Healthy Homes program manager
City of Worcester
Executive Office of Economic Development, Housing Development

2. Worcester Housing Challenges
$500,000,000 of Deferred Maintenance of Residential units*
47% of them built before 1920
45% of population over 65 by 2030
46% of them will have physical limitation
*2012 Worcester housing Market study

3. Pediatric Asthma Rate 11.7% Worcester vs. 10.8% Massachusetts
12 Schools have 25% of kids missing more than 20 days/year due to Asthma

4. Worcester Housing Challenges Continued
Lead Poisoned Children
Only 5600 units of the city’s 32,221 units are deleaded
300 Children with elevated blood levels
Preventable Injuries
11,469 Emergency Room visits due to home preventable injuries (falls, burns, asthma, etc)

5. What does it mean to Investors
$5,600,000 in water bill costs due to leaky pipes
$11,000,000 in wasted electric costs
890 court cases per year due to housing code violations
Approximately $37,000,000 in medical costs associated with housing issues
Potential Legal fees?
Potential Law suits?
Potential Lost rent?

6. What Landlords can do to help
Install bath fans that turn on with light or are on a humidistat
Install hard flooring rather than carpet
Remove gas on gas stove when upgrading heating
Ensure handrails, stairs and balusters are in good condition
Fix any leaks in unit including roof and plumbing leaks
Plug any holes around plumbing or walls that will allow for pest intrusion

7. City of Worcester Healthy Homes Program
Grants and Loans Available
Community Development Block Grant ($5000/unit)
Owners & Tenants must income qualify
HUD Lead & Healthy Homes Grant(90% of deleading cost) Owners & Tenants must Income Qualify
Home Modification Loan Program (up to $30,000)
For Universal Design improvements (ramps, grab bars, etc)
MassHousing Home Improvement Loan Program
(up to $50,000)

8. City of Worcester Healthy Homes Program
Community Development Block Grant ($10,000/unit)
Owners & Tenants must income qualify
Competitive Application
Only includes core systems
Must show financial hardship
5 year rental restriction

9. City of Worcester Healthy Homes Program
Lead & Healthy Homes Grant City of Worcester received a $3,700,000 HUD Grant for Lead Paint Remediation & Healthy Homes issues 218 Units of Housing to Complete $10,000/unit for Lead Paint Remediation $5,000/unit for Healthy Homes Issues $800/unit Relocation stipend Cover 90% of cost of Deleading

10. City of Worcester Healthy Homes Program
Investor Owned Building
Owner’s application must be filled out
Current on Mortgage, taxes and water/sewer
Tenants application must be filled out completely
Must include 4 most recent paystubs and last year’s tax return for each occupant over 18 ears old
Self Employed must include 2 years tax returns
Alternative Income (SSI, Disability, etc)- Letter from agency with amounts

11. City of Worcester Healthy Homes Program
Tips for Success
Cover Page
Original applications – no digital submissions
Observe privacy requirements
No incomplete submissions
Must be submitted within 48 hours of receipt
One unit at a time is okay

12. City of Worcester Healthy Homes Program
Collaborating with Tenants
Demonstrate the benefits
$800 relocation package
Additional incentives
All tenant information is private
Tenants can utilize office hours for help with paperwork
Translation services
Opportunity to address other outstanding issues
Remind tenants of the cap on monthly rental
Open communication

13. City of Worcester Healthy Homes Program
Application Timeline
Completed application sent to the Healthy Homes Program
City Healthy Homes staff reviews application- 1 week
Program Eligibility Letter sent to owner/ agent
Lead Inspection and Healthy Homes Inspectors inspect property- 1-2 weeks
Contractors bid on project-2 weeks
Grant documents signed by owner- 3 weeks
Project start- 2-3 months from application submittal

14. City of Worcester Healthy Homes Program
MassHousing “Get the Lead Out” Loans
City of Worcester serves as a Local Rehabilitation Agent for Mass Housing's “Get the Lead Out” Loan Program
Available to investor-owners who rent to income- eligible tenants
All loans are 5%, fully amortizing
Loan terms are from 5 to 15 years, based on the loan amount and borrower qualifications

15. City of Worcester Healthy Homes Program
Contact Information
James Brooks
Healthy Homes Program Manager
Executive Office of Economic Development, Housing Development
455 Main St 4th Floor (City Hall)
Worcester, MA 01608
x229
Inspection Services 24 Hour Hotline