One of the priorities identified in the Cook County Community Health Assessment for 2018 – 2023 was the need to upgrade existing housing stock to improve energy consumption and human health. To address that need, the county developed the Healthy Homes initiative under its Department of Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) and with the cooperation of the Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
Healthy Homes received a grant, implemented in the fall of 2022, from Minnesota Department of Health and the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grant pays for training staff to perform assessments to determine what needs to be upgraded for a healthier environment for residents and provides funding to address issues identified in the assessment. In a recent press release, DHHS wrote “Healthier homes will directly result in healthy people and more vibrant communities.”
“During the first cycle of Healthy Homes grants, we assessed 28 homes,” said Andrea Tofte, Public Health Educator with PHHS.
The assessment looks at housing conditions that might create conditions that lead to illness or injury. It helps the homeowner or renter understand deficiencies in the current housing and makes recommendations and priorities of what needs to be addressed to reduce health and safety risks.
Healthy Homes has up to $750 available under existing grants to help each homeowner/renter get supplies and pay for home improvements identified in the assessment. The money can be used for things like air purifiers, non-toxic cleaning supplies, fire extinguishers, handrails for older adults and other modifications to help people safely remain in their homes.
“We look for low cost, high impact strategies to help residents,” Tofte said. Tofte also coordinates between her clients and the Healthy Housing Network for needed repairs or improvements that exceed $750. The Network consists of the HRA, the City of Grand Marais, and the Cook County Local Energy Project.
Tofte began her career with Cook County during the Covid pandemic as a volunteer. She has a Masters Degree in Environmental Science and after beginning employment with PHHS she completed the New-to-Public Health Residency Program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She divides her time at PHHS between Emergency Preparedness and Healthy Homes.
Under the second grant cycle, which began in October, Healthy Homes received funding to assist 40 homeowners with assessments through 2026. Tofte has completed six assessments this cycle, and she expects to complete one to two each month.
The program is intended to result in healthier people, leading to lower healthcare costs and a more vibrant community.
The healthy homes approach uses well-documented, evidence-based interventions to address housing-related health hazards. If you, or someone you know, has a home that needs improvements you can begin the assessment process at the Cook County website, searching for Healthy Housing Program. Or reach out by email to
andrea.tofte@co.cook.mn.us or call 218-387-3065.
Andrea is a compassionate and committed public servant who will help you through you housing challenges. “The most gratifying thing about my job is when we make improvements and I see the smiles on peoples faces,” she said.
