ARRA Funds for Public Housing

Award of ARRA Funds: The City of Glendale Community Housing Division was allocated $319,325 by HUD to undertake a remodeling of 51 kitchens at the Lamar Public Homes Complex, which was originally constructed in 1951. The City is very proud of the Lamar Homes and takes every measure to all units as modernized as possible. This project is expected to be completed in mid-July 2009.

This project was completed in mid-July 2009.

The division spent an additional $135,000 in CDBG-R funds to paint the exterior of the housing units and to make the landscape more water more water-efficient.

Stimulus Funds Used to Improve Glendale Community Housing

Glendale Community Housing benefited in Spring 2009 from a stimulus formula grant, which was used to make energy-efficient improvements to 51 kitchens at the Lamar Public Housing Complex. The units were originally constructed in 1941 and have been continually in use since.

Prior to beginning the ARRA-funded project, one apartment was completed and Glendale Housing held an open house to invite the residents in to see how their new kitchens would look, and the residents were ecstatic, asking to have their kitchen completed first.  Glendale Housing was able to complete the project in slightly over 30 days, due to a list of priority projects from the Capital Fund Five-Year Plan, as approved by HUD for federal funding use.

This $319,325 project included energy-efficient retrofits using low-flow faucets, American made kitchen cabinets and solid surface countertops.  In addition to the Capital Fund ARRA money, additional ARRA funds through the CDBG program were used to purchase energy star appliances such as refrigerators and ranges.

With the use of these ARRA funds, 20 local jobs were retained or created as a result of this project. 

After completion of the project, Glendale hosted a visit from Ron Sims, HUD Deputy Secretary, who said, “Glendale is an excellent example of money well-spent.  Some places are struggling (with stimulus projects).  Glendale is not.”

The best testimonial of the impact of the ARRA modernization is from a five-year public housing resident, Grace Johnson.

“Since I have lived in Lamar Homes, Community Housing has remodeled the kitchens. I really like the new look of the cabinets, back splash and countertops. It is easy to keep clean. I thank all of your staff for the great job they have done.”