Cerro Gordo Public Health gets $1.1 million grant to help improve home safety for vulnerable residents

MASON CITY — The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health has been granted over $1 million to help improve home safety for vulnerable residents.

The department’s Healthy Homes Program grant coordinator Lindsey Pike says the grant will significantly improve the health and safety of the community by addressing critical issues in homes like radon, moisture, and fall hazards, helping to create healthier living environments for all. “Cerro Gordo County Public Health was funded from The US Department of Housing and Urban Development for $1.1 million. The grant is going to improve home safety for residents who are low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.”

Pike says those who think they may be eligible for the program should contact their office.  “Right now we have a waiting list since we are in the start-up period of the grant. We would encourage anyone that would think they’d be income eligible and fall under the qualifications for the grant to give us a call to get on our waiting list. Then from there we’ll work through that list and they would fill out an application. We would verify eligibility for the grant and from there do an inspection at the home and we can assess what we need to fix in the home.”

To get on the waiting list, call 641-421-9301.

Nearly 50% of tested homes in Cerro Gordo County have elevated radon levels, posing a serious health risk. The county also has a higher-than-average rate of fall-related deaths, emphasizing the need for fall prevention measures.