HUD providing $420 million to get the lead out of homes

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced over $420 million in funding to remove lead hazards in homes and HUD-assisted properties across the country.

The announcement follows several recent initiatives to tackle lead hazards in the United States, including a new rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within 10 years, as well as $2.6 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) for upgrading drinking water systems and replacing lead pipes.

The total includes $2 million for removing other housing dangers along with weatherization projects and nearly $10 million for research on how to better detect and control lead and other related hazards.

“Addressing lead poisoning is a top priority at HUD,” HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman says. “HUD has partnered with communities across the country to reduce lead exposure, particularly for children. The awards announced here today will help with HUD’s continued commitment to creating housing that is safe.”

Studies have shown that lead exposure can cause long-term health problems for people of all ages, but especially young children, as it can affect the development of their central nervous system.

Pregnant women exposed to lead may have smaller babies or give birth prematurely, and in adults, exposure can lead to high blood pressure, heart issues and kidney damage.

The HUD announcement includes the most funding ever awarded through six grant programs under the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control.

State and local governments, housing agencies, universities, public health organizations and nonprofits will be able to use the funds to remove health and safety hazards in the homes of low-income families.

Funds will also support advanced research on assessing and controlling these hazards, as well as educating the public about household lead dangers. These awards are part of HUD’s commitment to the Justice40 Initiative, which directs 40% of benefits from federal investments in climate, clean energy, housing and other areas to disadvantaged communities that have faced neglect, pollution and other challenges.

The programs announced include:

Protecting Children Under 6 from Lead Poisoning: Some 3.6 million American households with children under 6 are at risk from lead exposure in their homes, leading HUD to grant more than $395 million to 73 state and local governments through the Lead Hazard Reduction Program. These grants will help create programs to find and reduce lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned rental or owner-occupied homes. The funding will also support efforts to address other housing hazards that could affect residents’ health.

Preparing Communities for Future Lead Hazard Grants: Through HUD’s Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Program, more than $13 million is being awarded to 10 local governments, tribes and agencies to help develop the infrastructure needed to identify and manage lead-based paint hazards. Many homes built before 1978 still contain lead-based paint, which can pose serious health risks; these funds will reduce these dangers.

Coordinating Home Intervention Services: HUD is also awarding $2 million to two nonprofit organizations through the Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demonstration Program. By working with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program, the funds will help identify and fix hazards in homes while improving energy efficiency and preparing homes for extreme weather.

Improving Efficacy and Reducing Costs of In-Home Health Hazard Evaluations: HUD is also providing nearly $10 million to 12 educational institutions, nonprofits and corporations through the Lead and Healthy Homes Technical Studies Programs. Funded research aims to improve methods for identifying and controlling health and safety hazards in homes, advancing the nation’s understanding of how to create safer, more affordable housing that promotes good health.

The full list of awards is available on HUD’s website.

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