The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced grants and loan awards for properties in 18 states as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s plan to ensure affordable, resilient, and energy-efficient homes. Through its Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), the agency awarded $19 million to support significant energy efficient and climate resilient renovations for more than 4,260 homes occupied by low-income homeowners.

“The Biden-Harris administration is ensuring that our country’s housing stock is not only affordable, but also resilient and energy-efficient,” HUD acting Secretary Adrianne Todman said in a release. “Today, we are awarding crucial funds to renovate thousands of homes, making enhancements such as improved indoor air quality and integrating renewable energy sources. These changes are not trivial – they will reduce costs and increase the quality of life of the people we house.”

This announcement brought the total funding awarded under GRRP to more than $773 million, serving 20,752 homes. The funds awarded in this round will increase energy and water efficiency, reduce climate pollution, generate renewable energy, reduce emissions, and promote the use of low-embodied carbon materials.

The award is also in line with President Joe Biden’s Justice40 initiative, which set a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution, HUD stated.

“These awards once again demonstrate the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to affordable housing preservation and climate resilience,” Assistant Secretary for Housing Julia Gordon said. “We’re investing funds that will improve the homes and lives of thousands of lower income individuals and families and make a real difference in areas where investment has lagged for far too long.”