HUD Awards Grant to Baltimore County for Healthy Homes
Grant Protects Children from Lead and Other Home Health Hazards

Towson, Md. (October 6, 2009) – Today, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith announced that Baltimore County has been awarded a $4 million grant from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Baltimore County Office of Community Conservation received the funding for the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program to create lead-safe, healthy, energy-efficient homes in Baltimore County.

Lead Poisoning

“For decades, childhood lead poisoning has tragically impacted the lives of children and communities in Baltimore County.  he Office of Community Conservation will use these funds to pursue its goal of ending childhood lead poisoning in the County. I’m pleased to announce that Baltimore County was the sole jurisdiction in the State of Maryland to receive this grant. I also want to thank Senator Barbara Mikulski for her support with this important funding,” said Smith.

Even though lead-based paint was banned for use in homes in 1978, HUD estimates that approximately 24 million homes nationwide still have significant lead-based hazards today. Lead-contaminated dust is the primary cause of lead exposure and can lead to a variety of health problems in young children, including reduced IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delay and impaired hearing.

The Lead Hazard Reduction Program will provide lead inspections/risk assessment of 350 homes in targeted area communities in Baltimore County for lead-based paint and healthy homes hazards; perform lead hazard control (including window replacements) in 300 homes; conduct 150 outreach and education events to reach at least 16,500 citizens; and provide lead worker certification and Green and Healthy Homes training to 30 individuals. Effectively immediately, the demonstration program will run for three years.
 
“Lead poisoning from old paint is a parent’s worst nightmare. It’s practically invisible in your home, but its effects can be devastating. I’m so proud this grant will be used to create lead-safe, healthy homes in Baltimore County,” Senator Mikulski said. “This funding will help protect kids from lead exposure and make a real difference for Baltimore County’s families.”

Partnerships

Baltimore County is partnering with other Baltimore County departments, including the Department of Health, the Department of Permits and Inspections and the Department of Social Services, as well as the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning. 

“This strong network of partners will be invaluable in identifying older, lower income properties where children reside and pose the most danger to our community,” said Baltimore County Chair Joseph Bartenfelder.