Substandard and hazardous housing conditions are an ongoing issue in Guilford County where more than 5,800 homes lack complete kitchens, over 3,100 have no plumbing, and more than twenty census tracks are designated as having ‘high’ risk of lead exposure due to the age of the housing stock. Many residents face the impact of unaddressed housing conditions as a result of the high cost of repairs. Conditions like leaking pipes, lead paint, and non-functioning heat place residents’ health at risk. Yet, there are programs in our community to address these issues. HUD funded lead abatement programs, energy efficiency and weatherization, heating repairs, and other projects to make homes healthier and safer do exist for low-income renters and home owners. This hangout will be hosted and facilitated by Ms. Atigre Farmer, Health Impact Team Coordinator for the Center for Housing and Community Studies. Panelists from Piedmont Triad Regional Council Housing Rehabilitation Program, the City of Greensboro’s Lead Safe Housing Program, and Community Housing Solutions will discuss the array of services they offer to the Greensboro community to address substandard housing.
- Neasha Graves: Community Outreach and Education Manager, UNC Institute for the Center for Public Engagement with Science Lead Safe Presentation
- Gene Brown: President and Executive Director, Community Housing Solutions Community Housing Solutions
- Sonye Randolph: Housing Rehabilitation Administrator and Melissa Burton: Lead-Safe Housing Supervisor, The City of Greensboro Lead Safe Housing Program Lead Safe Presentation GSO
- Doug Loflin: Community Development Project Inspector and Drew Corbitt : Community Development Supervisor, Piedmont Triad Regional Council Housing hangout PTRC