Today, the City of South Bend was awarded $2.3 million in competitive funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to protect families from lead and home hazards. The funding will address lead hazards in 100 housing units, with priority towards low-income families with children.
The funding award is part of HUD’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control and Lead-Based Paint and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration grant programs. Over $139 million in funding was provided to 48 state and local government agencies this year. South Bend was one of three Indiana cities to apply and be successfully awarded funds, along with Michigan City and Fort Wayne.
“These are urgently needed resources for South Bend residents,” said Mayor Pete Buttigieg, “I am thankful for the excellent teamwork that made it possible for the City and our partners to secure this funding. We plan to quickly implement this funding towards keeping our children healthy and our neighborhoods lead-safe.”
The grant will be used to identify and address lead paint hazards in low-income rental and owner-occupied housing. It also includes supplementary healthy homes funding for additional housing-related health and safety hazards, such as mold and radon.
Lead paint was not banned until 1978, and within South Bend city limits, 82.1% of all housing units were built prior to 1980. The most common sources of lead poisoning for children are deteriorating lead-based paint and lead dust in older homes. Lead poisoning can cause permanent harm to a child’s growth, behavior, and ability to learn.
The City of South Bend will partner with the St. Joseph County Health Department and the Housing Authority of South Bend to launch the grant in the coming months. The initiative is supported by additional partners including the Near Northwest Neighborhood, the University of Notre Dame Lead Innovation Team, Indiana University South Bend, Beacon Community Health (WIC), Michiana Health Information Network, Saint Joseph Health System, and members of the local Lead Affinity Group.
This funding supplements the $672,857 grant that the City secured from the State of Indiana in September for lead hazard identification and control.
To access more information on City lead prevention efforts and find out about how to apply for funding, visit southbendin.gov/leadsafesouthbend or call 311.
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