On December 11, 2023, Julie Sleeper, HUD Iowa State Director, presented a check in the amount of $5,026,330 for Lead Hazard Reduction and Healthy Homes Supplemental funding, to the city council of Marshalltown, Iowa. The purpose of the Lead Hazard Reduction grant programs (LHRD) is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. The City of Marshalltown has received funding for lead programs for the past 20 years and has repaired over 700 homes with the funding to-date. This new allocation of funds will address lead and other health hazards in an additional 100 housing units providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children.

These funds are part of an August 2023 announcement by HUD that awarded over $140 million to 36 state and local government agencies in 19 states to protect children and families from lead-based paint hazards and other home health hazards. In that announcement, HUD leadership shared their thoughts on the importance of this investment in our nation:

“Today, we are renewing our steadfast commitment to improving the lives of children and their families,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “The funding provided today will enable communities to make the homes of families of limited means healthier, and improve their children’s school attendance rate, learning, and, eventually, job prospects.”

Matthew Ammon, Director of HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, added that, “These grants continue HUD’s commitment to sustainable communities and providing healthy and safe homes for all. We are committed to protecting families from lead-based paint hazards and other hazards in their home.”

More about the HUD Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes and its programs can be found here.

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