Westchester County has been awarded $7.75 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to expand its Lead Safe Westchester program, an established initiative that helps remove lead-based paint and other safety hazards from older homes across the County.
The funding will support lead hazard reduction efforts over the next four years, focusing on housing units occupied by low and moderate-income households. Since 1999, Lead Safe Westchester has invested more than $20 million in over 1,500 units improving housing conditions for residents by addressing lead hazards in homes built before 1978, when lead-based paint was commonly used.
Lead poisoning remains a serious but preventable public health issue, particularly for young children. In Westchester County, more than 81 percent of housing was built before 1978, increasing the risk of exposure to lead-based paint and dust.
Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “Lead Safe Westchester has made a meaningful impact in communities across the County. This additional funding allows us to expand those efforts and reach more households that need assistance to mitigate lead hazards and improving overall housing conditions.”
Through the program, the County’s Department of Planning will continue to inspect eligible homes, develop scopes of work and coordinate repairs with certified contractors. Improvements may include paint stabilization, window and door replacement and installation of safety features such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Applications for Lead Safe Westchester are currently being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to households with children under 6 and pregnant women. To qualify for assistance, households have to meet federal income guidelines and eligible properties must be built before 1978.
Residents interested in applying or learning more can contact the Westchester County Department of Planning at 914-995-4402 or PLAN-LSW@WestchesterCountyNY.gov.
