Five federal agencies representing a myriad of policy interests are planning a summer forum to address a variety of health and safety problems arising out of the U.S. housing stock.  Mold, lead paint, pest infestation, Radon, and physical deterioration are particularly common in housing for the nation's most vulnerable populations; children, seniors, the disabled, and low income families. 

The conference is expected to attract more than 3,000 national health and safety experts to meet with representatives from more than 200 organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the American Lung Association at more than 150 educational sessions and workshops. The National Healthy Homes Conference (NHHC) will be held in Denver, Colorado from June 20 to 23 and is sponsored by the U.S. Departments of Energy, Agriculture, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD); the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency. 

The sponsors are calling the conference, which has the theme Leading the Nation to Healthy Homes, Families and Communities, the most comprehensive forum ever held on the issue. "It's time that we move from talk to action," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.  "Our goal is to ensure that every home is designed, built, rehabbed and maintained in a manner that protects the health and safety of American families.  This conference encourages the exchange of critical information and present innovative approaches and solutions to reduce home-related hazards." 

Another NHHC event will be held in Denver prior to the conference when HUD and Rebuilding Together rehabilitate 25 homes in a Denver neighborhood on June 18 and 19.  The event, called Building a Healthy Neighborhood, will bring together more than 300 volunteers to make the homes of local families safer and healthier. 

"Take note of HUD-sponsored initiatives aimed at rebuilding America's dilapidated housing stock." says MND's Managing Editor Adam Quinones. "This is where housing professionals will find the most opportunity in years ahead.  The FHA should reopen the 203(k) program to investors if they want to encourage private investment in the U.S. housing market."

For more information about the conference contact Stephanie Blaine at (703) 683-7742.  Volunteers for the home building event may register at www.healthyhomesconference.org.