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Lead paint assistance programs help homeowners remove the toxins

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Lead paint assistance programs help homeowners remove the toxins

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The Erie Redevelopment Authority has received funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for a lead hazard control program.

The funding exists to reduce and eventually eliminate lead poisoning in young children. Regulations for the program can be found in the Residential Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.

Funding that the City of Erie receives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development will be used in conjunction with the Lead Hazard Control Program.

This funding will be offered to City applicants for additional lead work, accessibility renovation and exterior renovations when available.

Who is eligible for the Lead Paint Removal Program?

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The Redevelopment Authority states that the following persons are eligible for assistance from the Lead Hazard Control Program:

  • Homeowners who reside in a home built before 1978 who have qualifying income and have at least one child under the age of 5 who resides in the property at least twice per week for a total of at least 6 hours.
  • Landlords who own property in Erie County if the tenants have incomes that qualify as low-moderate income.
  • Annual household income cannot exceed the following: one person, $44,450; two people, $50,800; three people, $57,150; four people, $63,500; five people, $68,600 six people, $73,700; seven people, $78,750; eight or more people, $83,850.
  • Owners with empty properties. These landlords must agree to seek tenants after lead hazard control work is completed and must give priority to families with children under 5. All landlords must agree not to increase their tenants’ rent by more than 5% per year for three years after the abatement works. it has been fulfilled

Additional eligibility criteria

The structure must be verified by the Redevelopment Authority as habitable and structurally sound.

Property taxes must not be seriously delinquent. The home must also be insured. Applicants must agree to participate in the program and provide all necessary documentation to the Redevelopment Authority.

What happens to the tenants during the work?

Lead hazard control work will require tenants in occupied units to be temporarily relocated for up to 10 days at no cost to the occupants, as costs are covered under the program. This is for your own protection against lead exposure during construction.

The Redevelopment Authority does not guarantee the relocation of occupied single-family units or of owners and occupants. Occupants should first make efforts to stay with family or friends while work is completed. They will be allowed to return to the premises after the authorization test is completed.

The Redevelopment Authority will work with families and tenants to find temporary housing while offering reimbursement options for hotel stays if families and friends are not an option.

Occupants will be responsible for finding a safe place for pets.

Who pays for this program?

Funding for this program is provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Owner-occupied housing is 100% covered by the grant plus $50 to $150 in administrative costs.

Homes not occupied by the owner are 80% covered by the subsidy, with the other 20% paid by the owner or owner. A small administrative fee must be paid for each dwelling.

More information about funding on the Redevelopment Authority website.

Who can you call?

The following contractors are certified lead abatement companies in the Erie area:

  • Hoffman United: 2800 W. 21st St., 16506. 814-833-4364
  • MK Construction: 1831 W. 27th St., 16508. 814-218-7087
  • Ruler Building: 1831 W. 27th St., 16508. 814-384-9691
  • Titanium Construction: 4305 Wayne St., 16504. 814-460-2353
  • Dynasty Construction Unlimited: 206 S. First Ave, Corry, 16407 814-663-8888.

Why is lead poisoning dangerous?

Lead can be toxic to various organs and tissues, including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, reproductive and nervous systems.

Lead is especially toxic to children and can cause permanent learning and behavioral disorders.

Symptoms of lead poisoning may include abdominal pain; headaches; anemia and irritability.

In severe cases, lead poisoning can lead to seizures, coma and death.

This can affect your home if it is older with chipped paint. A simple paint chip can contain tens or hundreds of milligrams of lead that can pose a serious risk if ingested.

Contact Nicholas Sorensen at [email protected].

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