December 2, 2009

Today in Council, the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) announced the awarding of a $4 million grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for lead hazard control programs in the Portland area. Since 1998, the City's Housing Bureau has received grants totaling $13 million for these programs.

Many homes in the Portland area were built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. When disturbed by remodeling, daily wear and tear, or simply age, that paint creates toxic dust especially harmful to children. The Portland Regional Lead Hazard Control Program (PRLHCP) - a consortium of Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Clark counties and the cities of Beaverton, Gresham, and Portland - helps qualifying homeowners and rental property owners reduce lead hazards in their homes and properties.

Over the last 10 years, the PRLHCP has helped over 1,200 homeowners and rental property owners reduce lead hazards in their homes and properties. Thousands of children have been served in the last 10 years, and this significant grant will allow Lead Hazard Control Program partners to continue keeping some of our most vulnerable citizens safe.