Baltimore, MD – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the latest round of Lead Hazard Reduction Grant awards for states and localities.  Baltimore City secured the maximum award allowed – a total of $4,100,000 – to protect children and families from lead-based paint and home health hazards.

“Our children need and deserve every advantage we can provide them. Clearly, eliminating the long-term effects of lead poisoning is a necessity and we have the ability to do so,” said Mayor Catherine E. Pugh. “We are grateful to HUD for these additional federal resources that will enable us to protect those most vulnerable to the devastating consequences of lead poisoning.”

Baltimore City’s Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) administers the City’s Lead Hazard Reduction Program.  “We’ve worked hard to secure these funds and are grateful for this award,” said Alice Kennedy, Deputy Commissioner for Homeownership and Housing Preservation at DHCD.  “These funds will enable us to continue to help families reduce the risk of lead poising and protect our city’s children.”

HUD announced awards totaling more than $139 million to 48 state and local government agencies.  In Maryland, Baltimore City was the only award in the state. Of the $4,100,000 awarded to Baltimore City, $3,500,000 is for lead hazard reduction work and $600,000 is for healthy home work.  With these funds, Baltimore City will be able to address lead hazards in 250 housing units and will also perform healthy homes assessments.  This work will be done in concert with the Baltimore City Health Department, Park Heights Renaissance, Rose Street Community Center, Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc., and Druid Height Community Development Corporation.

“I congratulate Deputy Commissioner Kennedy and her team for securing these much needed resources for Baltimore City,” said Housing Commissioner Michael Braverman. 

To see more on the HUD announcement, click here.