The Knoxville City Council has decided to lock in nearly $5 million in federal funds on Tuesday, aiming directly to keep people in their homes and sharply reduce the risk of homelessness. These funds will be directed towards essential home repairs and bolstering eviction prevention measures, looking to help some 300 low-income residents, according to a report from the official website of the City of Knoxville.
Targeting the critical need for housing stability, the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee will receive $475,000 to help provide minor home repairs primarily for elder residents and those with disabilities—aiming to directly improve the habitability and safety of their living spaces. These repairs will cover urgent health and safety concerns, including fixing structural issues and key systems such as plumbing and HVAC, and are projected to serve around 48 households.
To combat lead poisoning and improve public health, the Council has also dedicated a substantial $4.08 million over five years for the Lead Safe & Healthy Homes Program (LSHHP). This initiative focuses on eradicating lead-based paint hazards in homes dating before 1978, with a special focus on spaces occupied by or frequently visited by children aged 6 and below. In its last cycle, the program assessed 160 houses, treated 126 units, and trained 238 individuals in lead abatement, which illustrates the program’s impact on the community’s health and safety…