Lead hazard abatement: helping families stay healthy

During the past few years, the prevention of childhood lead poisoning has received significant attention within the state. A well-organized movement to improve New Hampshire's lead law resulted in the passing of SB 176, which focuses on removing the environmental toxin and effectively changes the intervention blood level from 20 mcg/dl to 10 mcg/dl. New Hampshire Housing already incorporates testing and lead hazard control into all the housing rehabilitation projects it finances, and stands by its mission to not only create affordable housing but ensure that housing is safe. There are still many older homes within the state that contain lead paint, and the process of removing the environmental toxin is costly.

In support of the progress our state has made with this issue, New Hampshire Housing recently submitted an application to HUD in hopes of receiving a grant for up to $3 million in lead hazard abatement funds. Recognizing that matching funds were a critical component to scoring competitively against other applications, New Hampshire Housing enlisted the help of its partners to raise funds for the program. In addition, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation worked to support the grant application as well as to further one of its strategic priorities by raising funds from private companies and contributing funds of its own toward the match. Within nine months, the Charitable Foundation's efforts produced $350,000 in matching funds. Organizations contributing include: The United Ways of New Hampshire, The Way Home, the Endowment for Health, Cogswell Trust, Citizens Bank, Bank of America, Ocean National Bank, Lincoln Financial Group, Franklin Savings Bank and TD Banknorth – collectively produced $350,000 in matching funds within nine months. Inspired by their efforts, New Hampshire Housing staff asked its Board to approve another $300,000 to pool with the initial $300,000 matching funds requested for the grant application.

If New Hampshire Housing's grant application is successful, our new Lead Hazard Abatement Program would provide funds during a three year period to single family and multi-family home owners throughout the state via Community Action Program agencies and the Authority's Management and Development division. Between awarded HUD funds and leveraged funds, New Hampshire Housing would be in the position to award up to $13,500 of assistance per unit. A required 10% match from property owners brings that number to $15,000!