DETROIT (WXYZ) — Southwest Detroit residents in 48209 can apply for lead-based paint remediation of their homes through funding from HUD.
The city is now accepting applications to remove the paint at zero cost to homeowners and is hoping to enroll 455 households into the program over five years.
Priority will be given to households with children under 6 years or with a pregnant mother or with children who have tested positive for lead.
The city received funding through HUD's High Impact Neighborhood grant program, which concentrates efforts in a single area for maximum impact.
In the 48209 zip code, more than three-quarters of the housing stock was built before 1940, the city said, and there is a high number of low-income families and of children under 6 years.
The city says more than 50 children in the zip code were identified in 2017 testing as having elevated blood-lead levels.
Southwest Detroit residents living in the zip code are invited to apply by e-mailing gettheleadout@detroitmi.gov, or calling 313-348-0010 (313-348-5581 for Spanish speakers) to sign up for the program.
Work is expected to begin in October.
“It can cost up to $25,000 to properly remediate lead paint from a single house, and that is a cost that is simply unattainable to many Detroiters,” Mayor Mike Duggan said. “This program will keep kids safe and families in their homes. Just because a family isn’t wealthy doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a safe house for their child.”
To be eligible for the program:
• Your home or rental property must have been built before 1978.
• The house must be located in the 48209 ZIP code in one of four contiguous census tracts (5238, 5240, 5241, 5242).
• Your household income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income.
• There must be a child 6 years of age or younger, or a pregnant woman in the house at the time of intake, or there is a visiting child 6 years of age or younger at the house for more than 60 hours per year.
