Millage Recipient Profile - Healthy Homes Coalition
The Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan, born from the successful Get the Lead Out! campaign, focuses on prioritizing children's health and well-being by addressing harmful housing conditions, initially targeting Grand Rapids’ most affected neighborhoods. Through direct services, community organizing, and ongoing collaboration, Healthy Homes advocates for environmental justice and empowers families to create safe and healthy living environments.
With core values centered on environmental justice, family empowerment, respect, and integrity, Healthy Homes believes that every child deserves a safe and healthy home. Their Ready by Five millage-funded program encompasses a range of services, including lead remediation, asthma management, and fire safety installations.
Recently, Healthy Homes developed the Nido Home screening app, designed to identify environmental health hazards like lead and asthma triggers. This tool enables households to assess their living conditions and access relevant resources for addressing potential hazards.
By prioritizing children’s health and well-being, Healthy Homes aims to create a future where all children grow up in healthy, hazard-free homes. Through policy advocacy, outreach, direct services, and collaboration, they strive to eliminate environmental threats and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Family Voices:
Meet Maria, who first connected with Healthy Homes during a community event. Upon learning about the organization, Maria shared her concern about her child's respiratory issues and the mold problem in their 1950s-built home. After completing a Nido home screening, Maria was connected with the case management team. Focused on a whole home renovation, her main goal with Healthy Homes was to reduce moisture and enhance air quality.
Through education on asthma triggers and practical support, Maria received air purifiers, a HEPA filter vacuum, a dehumidifier, and eco-friendly cleaning products to mitigate triggers and moisture in her home. Additional referrals to partners like Home Repair Services and the Community Food Club helped with renovations and access to affordable fresh food. Although Maria is still working on her home projects, she now has the tools and resources to ensure her children's safety and well-being.