Working In Neighborhoods is collaborating with Hamilton County and community partners LISC Greater Cincinnati and Habitat for Humanity to implement the Lead Safe Ohio program.
The initiative, rolled out by Hamilton County Commissioners on May 16, provides $5.3 million to help eligible homeowners living in houses constructed before 1978 in Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati afford home repairs to prevent and mitigate lead hazards. Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage to children’s brain development, behavior, and other systems.
“We know this program will go a long way toward helping our neighbors maintain their investment in their homes, keep their children safe, and allow them to age in place,” said WIN executive director S. Barbara Busch.
WIN serves as the first point of contact for the program by working with homeowners to determine their eligibility. Priority is given to households with incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income. Qualified lead-safe renovations depend on the property’s specific needs and the home’s condition. “There’s great interest in the program,” said WIN’s operations director, Hope E. Wilson. “Our counselors help homeowners navigate the qualifying process and then refer those qualified homeowners to Habitat for Humanity for a home review.” Habitat for Humanity will manage repairs and ensure work is performed by vendors using lead-safe practices.
If you would like information on the Lead Safe Ohio program, call WIN at (513) 514-0819 or email homerepair@wincincy.org.