Healthy Housing

Where we live not only affects our socioeconomic health, but also our physical health. Lead-based paint poisoning, second-hand smoke, mold and carbon monoxide remain significant threats to families, particularly low-income families with infants and young children. Prevention is the only way to eliminate the negative effects of a hazardous home environment; the impacts of conditions such as mold and lead cannot be reversed.

In an effort to improve the quality and safety of housing, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implemented its Lead Hazard Control program and the Healthy Homes Program, which take a comprehensive approach to address a variety of environmental health and safety concerns faced by HUD tenants. Many HUD housing providers have in turn developed methods for hazard assessment and intervention including resident education. HUD has also required PHAs to implement smoke-free policies in its public housing properties.

Millennia Resistance Campaign

Housing is one of the cornerstones of life’s foundation. Where we live has a powerful impact on our educational development, employment opportunities, physical and mental health, and a host of other important life determinants. And despite having a national housing goal of providing a “decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family,” many of our neighbors are forced to live in horrid conditions.

The Millennia Resistance Campaign (MRC)– a cohort of Millennia tenants, community organizers, lawyers, and other allies from around the country– has made demands of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to hold accountable the Millennia Management Company LLC and Millennia Housing Management Ltd., as well as other troubled HUD owners, for poor property conditions.

Millennia Corporations own or manage these properties, and Millennia is one of the largest participants in HUD’s multifamily housing programs. The properties participating in the campaign are in awful condition, and the tenants have been through the wringer. MRC decided to begin this campaign to build collective power to compel HUD to improve its processes for overseeing and enforcing its condition standards.

On August 21, 2023 MRC sent its third letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) demanding HUD preserve these properties and their affordability and hold Millennia accountable. The tenants are requesting HUD consider their demands and an opportunity to share their stories with the Secretary.

Please join MRC in their journey for accountability and improved conditions. Learn more about the campaign and sign their campaign’s petition here, and engage with the campaign on social media!

HUD Resources

Advocacy Letters

NHLP’s letter to HUD recommending changes to the agency’s enforcement protocol for the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE). (November 22, 2023)
NHLP and Earthjustice sent a letter to the DOJ and EPA regarding the abrupt termination of three complaints filed under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) by Louisiana residents, as well as EPA’s subsequent wholly inadequate settlement of a Title VI complaint filed by residents of Flint, Michigan. (October 16, 2023)
NHLP submitted comments to HUD regarding the Department’s request for comments on the standards and protocols for the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE). (April 27, 2023)
NHLP’s Comment Letter to HUD regarding NSPIRE (August 1, 2022)
NHLP and Earthjustice submitted comments to HUD regarding NSPIRE (March 15, 2021)
NHLP’s Comment Letter regarding HUD’s Notice of Demonstration to assess NSPIRE (October 18, 2019)