MONTPELIER – July 1, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a $2.3 million grant to the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) to protect children and families from the hazards of lead-based paint. This award will be used to control lead paint hazards in the homes of low-income families and to raise awareness about the dangers of lead paint, which is still found in the majority of Vermont homes.
Senator Patrick Leahy said, “We owe it to our children to provide the best start possible, and VHCB’s Lead Program has a great track record, making more than 2,000 homes lead-safe over the past 15 years. These funds will be used to help Vermont homeowners and landlords reduce lead paint hazards in 150 homes over a three-year period.”
Governor Peter Shumlin said, “It is vitally important that we address the dangers of lead poisoning, which remains the number one environmental threat to young children, causing neurological, behavioral, and developmental damage.”
The HUD Office of Healthy Homes and the Lead Hazard Control grant program support the elimination of dangerous lead hazards from homes owned by low-income households, stimulate private sector investment in lead hazard control, and educate the public about the dangers of lead-based paint.
“Providing healthy and safe homes for families and children is a top priority for HUD,” said HUD New England Regional Administrator Barbara Fields, “HUD is committed to protecting Vermont children from the hazards that can be caused by deteriorated lead paint, and mold that follows moisture intruding into the home.”
Since 1994 the Vermont Lead Hazard Reduction Program at VHCB (also known as Healthy Homes Vermont) has used more than $28 million in Lead Hazard Control Grants from HUD to address lead hazards in more than 2,200 homes and apartments throughout the state. The program also provides lead safety training to property owners, contractors and child care providers and conducts outreach and public education efforts to prevent lead poisoning.
Eligible properties receive free services in the form of testing, risk assessment, work plans, construction oversight, and clearance, as well as grants and 0% interest deferred loans (payable when a property is sold) for the lead hazard control work. Homeowners are eligible for up to $25,000 (40% grant and 60% deferred loan) to pay certified contractors. Landlords and property owners are eligible for up to $15,000 per apartment (30% grant and 70% deferred loan). To learn more and apply, visit: http://www.vhcb.org/lead.html or call (802) 828-5064.
A number of state and federal regulations require property owners and contractors to deal safely with lead paint and prevent the creation of lead-contaminated dust, the most common pathway for childhood lead exposure. Adults can be at risk as well from exposure at work or from certain hobbies. More information about applicable regulations and ways to prevent lead poisoning can be found at http://www.LeadSafeVermont.org
Contact:
Ron Rupp, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
(802) 828-2912; rrupp (at) vhcb (dot) org
