As National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week approaches—running from October 20 to 26—U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, along with Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo, have announced $13 million in federal funding to make homes safer for children in Providence and Woonsocket. Each city will receive $6.5 million from the federal Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program (LHR), aimed at reducing lead exposure in residential properties.
Community Support for Lead Abatement
Homeowners, renters, and landlords can apply for funding through their respective city programs, which partner with local agencies to hire professionals for lead paint abatement and remediation. This initiative is crucial, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that nearly 300,000 housing units in Rhode Island have potential lead paint hazards, with over 90,000 of those in low-income households.
The LHR program not only alleviates financial burdens for families by covering lead hazard removal costs—potentially saving them thousands of dollars—but also enhances the overall safety and value of properties.