Grant dollars from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are available to home owners in Dallas County for the purpose of removing lead-based paint from interior or exterior surfaces of homes.
Lead can adversely affect young children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing learning and behavioral problems and reduced IQ. Even children who appear healthy may have high levels of lead in their system, so it’s important for children to get a blood test for lead every year from age 1 to 5.
If you own a home built before 1978 and have young children living with you or visiting for at least three hours at a time, please look into having your home inspected for lead-based paint. The HUD grant, which is a forgivable loan, will pay for this inspection and the removal of any lead paint discovered.
To qualify for the grant, the household income needs to be within a certain range. Applicants are required to provide a mortgage statement, proof of homeowners insurance and proof that all children under age 6 in the home were tested for lead in the past year.
For more information or to apply for this program, contact the Dallas County Public Health Department at 515-993-3750.
