Does your home or someone that you know’s house have lead paint? Akron’s Lead Safe Program provides up to $20,000 in grant funding to help remediate lead paint hazards in Akron homes. The goal of the these grants is to reduce instances of lead poisoning in children under the age of 6. Lead exposure in children can lead to brain and nervous system damage, long-term development delays , speech problems, hearing loss and behavioral issues.
Both owner occupied households and rental structures from 1-4 units are eligible and priority will be given to households with children under six years who have elevated blood levels. Homeowners may apply for up to $10,000 grants, but there are some qualifiers:
- The home was built before 1978
- Income is less than 80% of median income ($72,250 for a household of 3)
- Current on both mortgage and property taxes
- A child under 6 liver or frequently visits the home
- Property is not condemned or have excessive housing orders.
Rental tenants may apply with similar requirements and Landlords may also apply with 75% matching funds for the first $20,000. For more information, contact Akrons’s Housing Division at (330) 375-2050 and ask for the Lead Safe Program.