New Brunswick, NJ – Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the City of New Brunswick and The Community Builders gathered to highlight a $3,920,000 award to Lord Stirling Senior Housing in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The funding award comes under the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) and will support significant energy efficiency and climate resilience upgrades for the senior residents of 48 HUD-subsidized homes. This Comprehensive loan will increase energy and water efficiency, reduce climate pollution, generate renewable energy, reduce housing operating costs, promote the use of green building materials, and improve the quality of life for residents by making these homes more resilient to climate hazards.
HUD Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner Julia Gordon and HUD Office of Multifamily Housing Deputy Assistant Secretary Ethan Handelman joined residents and partners at the redeveloped former public school to present the $4 million award to The Community Builders.
“HUD has awarded over $1.43 billion through the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program to modernize housing for families across the country as the climate crisis continues to affect our most vulnerable communities,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “These awards advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s housing and clean energy goals to ensure families we serve live in resilient, energy efficient, and comfortable homes where they can thrive.”
President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in history—established the GRRP in 2022 to fund energy efficiency and climate resiliency improvements for multifamily properties participating in HUD’s project-based rental assistance programs The investments announced today will advance environmental justice in line with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Over $1.43 billion from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction has now been awarded to 270 properties and more than 30,000 rental homes, to make them greener, healthier, and safer for low-income households, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
“This nearly $4 million investment in Lord Stirling Senior Housing demonstrates the tangible impact of the Inflation Reduction Act—legislation I was proud to help author—to build a healthier, more resilient future for our communities,” said U.S. Representative Frank Pallone (NJ-6). “This funding will ensure our senior residents in New Brunswick have safe, energy-efficient housing, with upgrades that not only reduce utility costs but also contribute to a cleaner environment. I fought for this investment because everyone deserves a home that protects against the effects of climate change and offers a better quality of life.”
“The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program represents the best of what government can do here in New Brunswick and throughout the nation to enhance the homes of low-income individuals while also addressing the climate crisis,” said Assistant Secretary for Housing Julia Gordon. “Through this landmark program we’ve put more than $1 billion where it is needed most – properties like Lord Stirling Senior Apartments that are home to some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations.”
Lord Stirling Senior Housing is a 49-unit property in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Thirty-eight units currently participate in HUD’s Section 202 project-based rental assistance program for low-income seniors.
“We’re grateful to HUD and The Community Builders for their dedication to advancing the quality of life and environmental health in our community. Today’s announcement is a testament to our commitment to fostering sustainable, resilient housing that meets the needs of our senior residents,” said Mayor Jim Cahill, City of New Brunswick. “This nearly $4 million investment will bring essential upgrades to Lord Stirling Senior Housing, ensuring our seniors have safe, energy-efficient homes that contribute to a greener future.”
The Community Builders, owner of Lord Stirling Senior Housing, plan to undertake a deep retrofit of the property focused on reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs through energy efficiency measures and renewable energy generation while also making the property more resilient to climate hazards. Additionally, the retrofit will focus on the use of building materials with lower embodied carbon and improving the quality life of residents through both green and healthy housing measures and significant capital improvements. The specific rehabilitation project scope will be determined after HUD’s contractor has conducted a suite of assessments at the property.
“We’re grateful to HUD for this funding award and look forward to seeing the impact this will make for the residents of Lord Stirling apartments,” said Bart Mitchell, President and CEO of The Community Builders. “The energy efficiency upgrades made possible by this award continues TCB’s investment in the City of New Brunswick, as well as
strengthening the foundation for long term affordable, quality housing for New Brunswick’s seniors.”
“We applaud this critical investment by HUD and The Community Builders,” said Melanie Walter, Executive Director of NJHMFA. “This project is an important investment in New Brunswick seniors’ quality of life. The retrofit and upgrades financed through the GRRP will ensure long-term affordability, improve resilience, and increase sustainability.”
Event photos are available on request.
