Lead Safe Program

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Our mission is to protect children and families from dangerous lead-based paint hazards and other household hazards. The Lead Safe Program offers assistance to low and moderate- income families, as well as Rental Property Owners, in making their homes lead-safe for children. The Program has made over 800 homes lead-safe since 1995.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or property owner, the safety of our community’s children is of the greatest concern. Protect them by making sure that no child will be exposed to lead hazards while at your home.

What is the Lead Safe Program?

The City of Harrisburg Department of Building and Housing is administering a Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration grant (LHRD) funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for qualifying residents (tenants and homeowners) within the city limits. This three-and-a-half-year grant operating through June 2023 aims to complete work in 230 housing units to make them Lead Safe. If you are eligible for the Lead Safe Home Program, we will provide an FREE Lead Inspection and Risk Assessment on your property. Some of the lead safe services include:

Window Replacements  |  Door Replacements  |  Paint Stabilization  |  Minimal structural repair  |  Identify and address health and safety hazards in the home (HHA)

  • The LHRD program is not a rehab program. It is intended to eliminate or control lead-based paint hazards. However, some funding may be available for minor Non-Lead Healthy Home improvements and repair work
  • Work is performed by Pennsylvania-certified lead abatement contractors and workers
  • Call (717) 255-6419 or email rjrasmussen@harrisburgpa.gov for additional information
  • Criteria & Qualifications
  • Process
  • FAQs
  • Apply
  • Lead-Safe Unit Registry
  • Resources
  • Criteria & Qualifications

    Property located within the Harrisburg city limits, and:

    • Was built before 1978
    • Have a child under 6 years of age residing OR visiting a significant amount of time (minimum 60 hours a year) Or a pregnant female that resides in the property
    • Property Taxes and home insurance are current
    • Total maximum income limits for qualifying families are listed below

    Household Size & Maximum Income

    Household Size

    Maximum Household Income

    1

     $47,600

    2

    $54,400

    3

    $61,200

    4

    $68,000

    5

    $73,450

    6

    $78,900

    7

    $84,350

    8

    $89,800

    *Eligibility is also based on the condition of your home and estimated cost of addressing lead hazards 

    ¿SE HABLA ESPANOL?

    • Descargue e imprima una copia en papel de la aplicación desde nuestra página web aquí
    • Visite nuestra oficina ubicada en 10 calle segundo, Suite 206 para recoger y completar una aplicación en persona
    • Llámenos al 717-255-6419 para que una aplicación sea enviada por correo a su domicilio
    • Visite a uno de nuestros socios de la comunidad, el LHACC, ubicada en 1301 calle Derry para obtener una copia de la aplicación del programa y asistencia para completar un formulario de pre-elegibilidad
  • What is the Process?

    • English Version

      lead safe process spanish

    • Spanish Version

    •  

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What does Lead Hazard Reduction mean?  

    Lead Hazard Reduction is activity intended to control and/or eliminate lead-based paint (LBP) hazards by means of interim controls and abatement.  

    • Interim controls are measures intended to reduce exposure to lead-based paint and which must be maintained in the future to prevent the hazards from returning.
    • Abatement is a set of measures intended to permanently eliminate LBP hazards.

    If my children are all 6 years old or older can I still participate? 

    Possibly. However, most homes follow the HUD grant guidelines state that there must be a child under 6 years old either living in or visiting frequently at the property. Homes with documented visiting children and daycares (eligible in some circumstances) will be accepted. The home also qualifies if someone in the home is pregnant.  

    Is it “really free” to participate in the Lead Safe Program? 

    Yes! All qualified applicants will benefit from the lead hazard, removal, and containment work with no costs to them – all program activities (including Healthy Home Repairs) are free to the tenants, homeowners, and landlords. This program is intended to remove lead hazards that affect children in the City with as little barrier to participation as possible. 

    Is there anything the applicants or occupants need to do prior to the work start date?

    Yes, we will ask that you prepare the work space prior to the start of lead removal/containment. Window dressings, furniture, and wall décor near work spaces must be removed or covered. Large furniture such as shelves, desks, beds, etc. must be moved least six feet away from the walls and work spaces. Having a clear workspace will ensure that the occupants’ possessions are safe and that the contractors are able to do their work properly. You do not have to cover your possessions with plastic, the contractors will do that as a part of their initial containment procedures.

    What is a lead-based paint risk assessment?  

    A risk assessment is a surface by surface inspection of painted areas inside and outside of the home.  A detailed report is generated from which the work specifications are made.

    Will I have to relocate while work is being completed?  

    Due to the toxic nature of lead all work must follow regulations to keep the workers and occupants safe.  In most cases you must leave the property while work is in progress. Our Client Logistics Manager will discuss relocation options and stipends with you.

    How long does the work take?

    Most lead safe jobs take from 4 days up to two weeks.  The entire process from application to clearance takes approximately three to four months.

    What if I have a deteriorated window that does NOT contain lead?  

    Usually only surfaces that have been identified as a lead hazard are eligible for interim controls or abatement.  However, some funding may be available to address non-lead Healthy Homes improvements and repair work.

    It sounds like a lot of work to participate in the program. Is it worth it?  

    YES! Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or property owner, the safety of our community’s kids is of the greatest concern. What better way to protect them than by making sure that no child will be exposed to lead hazards while at your home?   

  • Lead Safe Documents

    Lead Safe Application
    View Documents
    Lead Safe Application (Spanish)
    View Documents

  • Lead-Safe Unit Registry

    The City of Harrisburg Lead-Safe Unit Registry is provided to inform the community and interested parties of housing units that have been made safe from lead-based paint hazards.

    Lead Safe Unit Registry Application

  • Resources

    Why is Lead so Dangerous for Children? – Lead Poisoning Resources for Parents and Families

    The primary goal of Harrisburg’s Lead-safe program is to remove and contain lead hazards in the home. Learn more about what lead sources may exist and what harm they can do to you and your family.


    Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home (English)
    View Document

    Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home (Spanish)
    View Document

    LEAD Poisoning – 5 things you can do
    View Document

    CDC – Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
    View Website

    What your Child’s Blood Lead Test Means
    View Document

     

    Lead Removal and Containment in Harrisburg

    The City of Harrisburg has a history of removing and containing lead hazards from homes that cause so much damage to children’s developmental potential. Check out some media coverage we have received from past grant cycles.

    Lead Removal and Containment in Harrisburg

     

    Healthy Homes for Harrisburg Families

    The Lead-safe program also works to reduce hazards in the home that may be dangerous for children. Homes assessed for lead hazards will additionally undergo a ‘Healthy Homes Assessment’. Learn more about these 29 Hazards our Lead Risk inspectors will evaluate on your home inspection.

    29 Hazards Document


    PA Department of Health Home Hazards and Lead Awareness

     

    Lead Removal Programs Across the Country – Further Resources

    As most homes built before 1978 have lead hazards, efforts to remove lead from homes are not new and are happing all over the country. Check out some of these videos about lead hazard removal programs in other parts of the county.

    Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance


    Providence Rhode Island - Lingering Peril from Lead Paint | Retro Report on PBS

     

 

 


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