JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017
Julien ’ s Journal would like to introduce you to this revitalization effort and how it will impact our community and its future . The programs under the C . H . A . N . G . E . umbrella include :
BEE BRANCH HEALTHY HOMES RESILIENCY PROGRAM The Bee Branch Healthy Homes Resiliency Program comes on the heels of the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project . The $ 219 million flood mitigation project is still underway to minimize flood damage in Dubuque ’ s most economically-challenged neighborhoods .
BEE BRANCH
HEALTHY HOMES
The Bee Branch Healthy Homes Resiliency Program includes $ 8.4 million in the form of forgivable loans to improve 320 housing units , including owner-occupied homes , single-unit rentals , and small , multi-family residential units . Funds will be awarded to properties where low- to moderate-income residents reside and will be used to make repairs and implement on-site stormwater management principles to decrease environmental health and safety issues from flooding . Many of these properties will abut
the new pervious paver alleys ( green alleys .) Many residents in the Bee Branch Watershed have experienced repeated flash flooding from stormwater during heavy rain events , including six Presidential Disaster Declarations since 1999 . As a result , they are living with residual structural issues , electrical hazards , and chronic mold and mildew problems . A variety of repairs and renovations will improve housing conditions and make homes more resilient to future flooding . “ Through the Bee Branch Resiliency Program , we are going to fix and waterproof some basements , but at the same time we are introducing a Healthy Home Advocate person because many of these families may have other issues ,” said Nash . “ There ’ s people that need information , some may have medical issues , some need training or need to return to school . We are going to take care of the basement … but is there something else you need ? That ’ s a big move , but you need to add that element … it ’ s not just about bricks and mortar .” The Healthy Home Advocate , through the Bee Branch Healthy Homes Resiliency Program , collaborates with individuals and families to facilitate developing a resiliency plan that will assist them in recovering from the effects of flood-related problems and prevent future issues . In addition to resiliency challenges related to the housing structure , the Home Advocate can assist residents with developing a Personal Resiliency Plan . The advocate may also help identify training opportunities and community resources for improving future personal development , employment , and developing family goals , as well as connecting them with agencies and nonprofits that provide assistance . In addition to navigating them through the Bee Branch Healthy Homes Resiliency Program process , the Home Advocate will assist each individual or family with a strategy to prevent , prepare for , and cope with natural disasters . In 2016 , Dubuque was awarded $ 31.5 million in HUD disaster resiliency funds for the Bee Branch Healthy Homes Resiliency Program and stormwater infrastructure improvements . LEAD AND HEALTHY HOMES PROGRAM The lead poisoning rate in Dubuque is more than double the national average . Dubuque ’ s Lead Hazard Control & Healthy Homes Program utilizes federal funds to provide financial assistance in the form of forgivable loans to low- and moderate-income homeowners and rental property owners to reduce lead-based paint hazards and other health and safety issues in homes with young children . While Dubuque has created over 1,150 leadsafe residences over the last 15 years , rental property inspections have shown that many
Lead remediation will be performed on 129 homes between 2016 and 2019 .
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