What is this program?
The Lead Safe Hamilton County program is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to make more of Ohio's older homes safer for children who have been potentially exposed to lead hazards. Through this FREE program, funds are available for various repairs that can proactively prevent and mitigate these lead hazards, even if a child doesn’t live in the home.
Why is the program necessary?
Over 80 percent of all homes built before 1978 in the U.S. contain lead-based paint, according to Hamilton County Public Health. Lead poisoning is most commonly caused by lead-based paint, which produces chips and dust as it deteriorates.
While lead poisoning can affect individuals of all ages, children are at the greatest risk. Children's bodies are more susceptible to the harmful effects of lead and are less able to detoxify their bodies of the harmful substance. Long-term exposure to lead can impact physical and mental health and the ability to learn and earn an income.
Who is eligible for this program?
To qualify for the Lead Safe Hamilton County grant program, homeowners must meet eligibility requirements, including income restrictions. Most importantly, the home must have been built before 1978 and located in Hamilton County.
What types of projects are eligible for this program?
Homeowners in Hamilton County with homes built before 1978 may be eligible for the program.
Households with incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income will be prioritized. This translates to $72,850 for a family of three and $56,650 for a single person living alone. Households above 80% AMI may be eligible if they meet eligibility requirements. Qualified lead-safe renovations will depend on the specific needs of your property and the condition of your home, which will be evaluated as part of the award process.
What types of repairs are eligible for this program?
Eligible repairs are based on the condition and age of your property and may include new windows and doors, siding, interior and exterior painting, and repairs to fascia and soffits. These repairs all address common places where lead paint could chip or erode.
What does the process look like?
Working in Neighborhoods (WIN), a local HUD-certified housing Counseling Agency, will collect application information to determine your eligibility for the program. Information needed to determine if you might be eligible includes your home’s address, the year your home was built, and income and household size. Click here to preview the pre-qualification checklist. Call WIN to determine your eligibility for the program at (513) 514-0819. If you are eligible for the program, WIN will work with you to complete an application. **PLEASE NOTE** Calls and emails will be returned in the order they are received. Please allow 3 business days for reply.
Once your application is complete, the Critical Repair team at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati (Habitat) will schedule time to visit your home to assess the repairs needed to reduce lead-based paint hazards. This could include new windows, interior and exterior paint, exterior and interior doors, siding, and more. All repairs are specific to your property and will be overseen by the experts at Habitat. Habitat will manage repairs and ensure work is performed by contractors using lead-safe practices. You will not have to find your own contractors – the Lead Safe Hamilton County program provides all the resources needed. Please note: Identified individuals from WIN, Habitat, and assigned contractors will need to enter your home. Please ensure the home is safe and habitable.
Once repairs are completed, Hamilton County Public Health will perform a lead clearance inspection to ensure the home's safety.
I have an order to control lead hazards. Am I eligible for the Lead Safe Hamilton County program?
No. The Lead Safe Hamilton County program can only be used to complete lead renovation, repair, and painting. The Lead Safe Hamilton County program does not cover lead abatement that would be required if you have orders to control lead hazards at your home. Other grant funds for lead abatement may be available. Please contact People Working Cooperatively’s lead info line at (513) 366-4697 for more information and to see if you might qualify for lead abatement programs.
How can I apply for the program?
Call WIN at (513) 514-0819 to determine your program eligibility, email homerepair@wincincy.org, or visit leadsafehamiltoncounty.org, or 513Relief.org. Applicants in need of additional support navigating the application should contact WIN. If you feel you have substantial barriers please contact 2-1-1 to be referred to additional community resources.
Click HERE for a printable list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Lead Safe Hamilton County Program.
