Worcester Green and Healthy Homes Coalition

In October, 2011, REC was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to re-launch the Worcester Lead Action Collaborative (WLAC) as the Worcester Green and Healthy Homes Coalition (WGHHC).

The new coalition will build upon the successes of WLAC lead poisoning prevention efforts, and expand to address other environmental health threats in homes including asthma triggers such as mold, mildew and pests as well as energy efficiency measures such as weatherization and energy efficiency retrofits. The Green and Healthy Homes Coalition includes over 30 public and private agencies, grass-root organizations and concerned citizens committed to making Worcester a green and healthy city. The coalition is well equipped to use the EPA’s award as intended: to bring community partners and residents together to identify, analyze and  prioritize and act on indoor and outdoor environmental health threats in Worcester’s lowest-income areas, and begin taking action to eliminate or reduce these threats. In 2012, the coalition participated in 360 outreach events in schools, community organizations, health centers, and public events, reaching over 20,000 individuals with information about lead poisoning prevention and healthy homes.

The Green and Healthy Homes Coalition is made up of the following organizations: