Communities Unlimited (CU) has announced it has been awarded a $2 million Healthy Homes Production Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding will support CU’s new Healthy Homes Housing Repair Program, which will address unsafe and unhealthy housing conditions in some of the most rural areas of the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta.

Applications will be available July 14 through August 29 and can be requested or submitted by email to housing@communitiesu.org, or picked up and dropped off at designated community locations in Coahoma and Humphreys counties in Mississippi and Desha and Jefferson counties in Arkansas.

The program is designed to improve the quality of life for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities by completing critical home repairs that directly impact health and safety. A minimum of 151 homes will receive assistance in Desha and Jefferson counties in Arkansas and Coahoma and Humphreys counties in Mississippi — regions where substandard housing remains a major barrier to health, stability, and economic opportunity.

Repairs will focus on issues such as mold and moisture mitigation, roof replacement, plumbing and electrical system improvements, weatherization, pest management, and removal of safety hazards. The work will be guided by HUD’s Eight Healthy Homes Principles, which promote dry, clean, safe, well-ventilated, pest-free, contaminant-free, well-maintained, and thermally controlled living environments.

“Everyone deserves to live in a home free from toxic chemicals, asthma triggers, and other hazards."

Audra Butler

— Audra Butler, CU Area Director of Rural Housing

“Through our Healthy Homes program, Communities Unlimited will support communities in addressing housing-related health and safety issues and ensure our neighbors have safe homes that are energy efficient and stand strong against natural disasters.”

“Too many families out here are living in homes that just aren’t safe,” said Vinetria Johnson, CU Community Housing Facilitator. “This program means they no longer have to keep putting off repairs they can’t afford. It’s going to bring real relief to people who’ve been trying to make do on their own for far too long. I’m also excited to help CU launch its Housing work in Mississippi.”

Each participating household will receive a Healthy Homes Assessment and work with CU to develop an Individualized Preservation Plan (IPP).
Each participating household will receive a Healthy Homes Assessment and work with CU to develop an Individualized Preservation Plan (IPP).

These plans will prioritize immediate needs, outline future maintenance, and connect homeowners to resources for long-term housing sustainability and disaster resilience. The program is scheduled to run through 2028.

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Owner-occupied, single-family home serving as the primary residence
  • Household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI)

Application Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations:

Arkansas:

  • McGehee City Hall
  • Dumas City Hall
  • Dumas Public Library
  • The Generator – Pine Bluff

Mississippi:

  • Coahoma County Clerk’s Office
  • Coahoma County District Office
  • Town of Friars Point City Hall
  • Town of Jonestown City Hall
  • City of Coahoma City Hall
  • Lula City Hall
  • Coahoma County Middle School Main Office

Additional locations in each community will have applications available for pick-up only. Communities Unlimited is also seeking qualified local contractors to complete repair work in the four target counties. Contractors interested in participating should call 479-443-2700 for more information.

For general program inquiries, visit the Healthy Homes webpage HERE or contact Vinetria Johnson at 601-447-8117 or vinetria.johnson@communitiesu.org.

You can download the Healthy Homes application in English HERE or in Spanish HERE