The City of Chelsea has been awarded more than $2.2 million by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to launch a new Lead Hazard Control & Healthy Homes Program, through which eligible property owners may receive up to $15,000 in grant funding to remove lead-based paint hazards from homes built before 1978.
“With 70% of Chelsea’s housing stock built before 1978, lead-based paint remains one of the most common hazards facing residents living in older homes. For many of our property owners, remediation is a cost they simply can’t absorb on their own. This program removes that financial barrier, so families aren’t forced to choose between an affordable home and a safe one,” said Ben Cares, Director of Housing & Community Development for the City of Chelsea.
The program is divided into two subprograms, with “Lead Hazard Control” being the primary subprogram. Those who qualify for Lead Hazard Control funding may also qualify for “Healthy Homes” funding to address additional housing-related health and safety concerns such as ventilation, moisture, minor repairs, and other healthy homes interventions.
Through the program, eligible properties may receive approximately:
Up to $15,000 per unit for “Lead Hazard Control” work
Up to $19,000 per unit for “Healthy Homes” work, if already participating in the Lead Hazard Control portion of the program
Eligible applicants may include:
Owner-occupied properties
Certain rental properties
Properties built before 1978
Households with children under the age of 6 and/or pregnant women may receive priority consideration
Program eligibility is subject to:
Income requirements
Property eligibility
Lead risk assessment findings
Compliance with program requirements and federal regulations
Lead poisoning or elevated blood lead levels are not required to qualify for assistance.
Temporary relocation assistance may be available for eligible occupants if required during lead hazard control work.
The City of Chelsea also runs a Lead Service Replacement Program, through which homeowners, landlords, property managers, and business owners can have their lead (and galvanized) service lines replaced for free. The City is also replacing every public lead and galvanized line through this program.
For more information about the program, visit www.chelseama.gov/lead.