New Bedford's lead paint program helps eligible homeowners and landlords remove hazards

NEW BEDFORD Eligible New Bedford homeowners and landlords can get help from the city to get rid of lead paint hazards, including grants for low- and moderate-income homeowners, the city's Office of Housing and Community Development said this week. The office is pointing residents to its Lead Paint and Healthy Homes Program during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, which runs from Sunday, Oct. 25, through Saturday.

The program provides money to help address lead paint hazards in eligible homes, with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, the city said in an Oct. 27 release, which New Bedford Guide published that day. The Standard-Times reported on the program Thursday.

Who qualifies

For homeowners, the program gives grant assistance to low- and moderate-income owners to fix lead paint hazards in a home where a pregnant woman lives or where the household includes a child under 6, according to the release. The household's income has to be at or below 80% of HUD's area median family income.

Landlords can qualify too: investor-owners may get program money to address lead paint hazards in rental units occupied by income-eligible tenants, the city said. The owners themselves do not have to meet the income limits, but the tenants living in those units have to meet them, with household incomes at or below 80% of HUD's area median income.

Where the money comes from

HUD's list of its fiscal 2024 lead hazard reduction awards shows the City of New Bedford was awarded $3.55 million through the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration program. Lawrence and Boston were the other Massachusetts cities on that list. HUD funded the city's lead work before: in September 2020 it awarded New Bedford $2 million for lead hazard control and $400,000 in healthy homes money, $2.4 million in all.

Why older homes matter

Lead-based paint was common in homes built before 1978, and as it breaks down it can leave dust and paint chips that children swallow or breathe in, the city's release said. Children under 6 are especially at risk, since lead can affect brain development, learning, behavior and overall health, and pregnant women and their unborn children can also be at risk, the release said.

"The cost of lead paint abatement can often be a significant barrier to a healthier home," Mayor Jon Mitchell said in the release. "That is why the City has made it a priority to help residents overcome this challenge. I encourage homeowners to contact Housing and Community to determine if they qualify for this valuable opportunity to protect themselves and their families from potential lead exposure."

"Protecting children from lead exposure starts with awareness. Our office is eager to assist city residents in understanding their options and accessing financial resources," said Joshua Amaral, director of Housing and Community Development.

How to check eligibility

Residents and property owners with questions about eligibility and the help available can call the Office of Housing and Community Development at 508-979-1500 or go to newbedford-ma.gov/community-development, the city said.

Label: Reported by us, from the town's posted records.