Question: Please provide an update on what has been implemented for FY26 for the Healthy Homes Initiative, and whether any funding has been reallocated for this program through State or Federal grant funding in FY27.
Response:
Two Health Department staff positions and one contractor were originally expected to end in FY26 and were not funded into FY27. The first permanent position, a Community Engagement Manager supervising Healthy Homes staff, was funded in the proposed budget and will be retained if adopted as proposed. The second permanent position, a vacant Environmental Health Outreach Specialist, was removed in the proposed budget as part of the reduction in vacant positions but added back through a technical adjustment. The contracted position, funded by State ARPA dollars until FY25 and then funded by City Council on a one-time basis through the FY26 budget, will still lapse.
In FY26, the Healthy Homes Network has:
- Reviewed and updated several relevant Alex311 service requests in partnership with local organizations and residents
- Launched a new Alex311 mold service request
- Developed a new ‘one-stop shop’ mold website that will be launched formally by May 2026
- Started organizing for a multisector Pest workgroup that will tackle issues like rodents and roaches
- Evaluated the ALX Breathes program to review impact and assess how we can continue to improve. Areas identified include:
- Updating educational resources and referrals
- Modifying program participant check-ins
- Increasing cross-agency coordination with City partners in targeted properties experiencing poor housing conditions
Previous State grant funding for the program was rescinded by the Federal government in March 2025. To address this loss of funding, City Council added one-time funds through the FY26 add-delete process, which were used to support a contracted Amharic-speaking Community Health Worker (CHW). Extending the contractor for one additional year would cost $83,000. Specific activities supported by the CHW include:
- ALX Breathes Program
- Supported 18 participants
- Completed 25+ in home visits
- Conducted 20–30 virtual check ins to support asthma/health action plans
- Monitored participant progress and provided ongoing guidance
- Mitigation Efforts
- Assisted over 115 residents at 5 locations experiencing rodent, pest, mold, or bedbug problems
- Provided reporting and mitigation education
- Engaged more than 60 residents on prevention strategies and healthy home practices
AHD continues to work with VDH central office to support the reallocation of funds to support Healthy Homes work. However, current ARPA funding will end no later than September 2026 with no other available funds identified.
- See FY26 Budget Memo 089 Healthy Homes for additional information.