Insider Weekly has named Greater Bergen Community Action Inc. (GBCA) as this year’s recipient of the “Leader in Environmental Home Safety” award, recognizing the organization’s groundbreaking Healthy Homes initiative.
The award highlights GBCA’s exceptional work in addressing critical environmental hazards in residential settings across Bergen and Passaic counties in New Jersey. Through their Healthy Homes program, GBCA has positioned itself as the foremost authority in healthy-home interventions throughout the state.
“Healthy Homes is a game-changer—filling critical gaps in existing services,” says Avery Headley, Program Director of the initiative. Working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, GBCA launched this comprehensive program to remediate environmental hazards in 140 residential units across northern New Jersey.
What distinguishes GBCA is their selection as one of only 20 organizations nationwide—and one of just two in New Jersey—to secure the coveted HUD Healthy Homes grant. This recognition underscores the organization’s strategic approach to community health and housing safety.
The program provides eligible homeowners—seniors (65+), disabled individuals, and families with young children—with up to $15,000 in repairs and improvements. These interventions address a spectrum of health risks including mold, lead, pest infestation, water intrusion, and structural deficiencies.
GBCA’s approach goes beyond traditional weatherization services by conducting thorough inspections across 29 hazard categories followed by targeted interventions. Their first renovation in Bergenfield demonstrated the program’s impact, with comprehensive improvements that included replacing splintered flooring, upgrading front-door insulation and locks, remediating shower mold, and repairing ceiling tiles.
“Investing in home health is investing in family stability and community resilience,” explains Lynne Algrant, Chief Resource & Development Officer at GBCA. “If children with asthma miss school due to poor indoor air quality, parents lose workdays. Replacing windows and adding air filters not only improves health but ensures families can maintain their income.”
The results are transformative for residents like Maria S., a Bergenfield homeowner and program beneficiary. “I never imagined my home could feel safe again,” she shares. “Mold was in every corner, and the front door barely locked. GBCA transformed my space—and my peace of mind.”
Another Passaic County parent attests, “Thanks to Healthy Homes, my kids’ asthma symptoms have dramatically decreased.”
GBCA serves over 50,000 low-income residents each year through its comprehensive approach to community development. With nearly 600 dedicated staff members, the organization addresses critical needs through a network of subsidiaries, partnerships, and community initiatives.
Looking ahead, GBCA aims to scale the Healthy Homes program beyond Bergen and Passaic counties, expand eligibility to working families above strict federal poverty level thresholds, integrate emerging technologies, and cultivate new corporate sponsors.
“Our goal is that every New Jersey home can be a healthy, safe environment,” Headley affirms. “We’re just getting started.”