In a substantial move to tackle the lead-poisoning crisis in Milwaukee County's suburban neighborhoods, the local government, under the leadership of County Executive David Crowley, has rolled out a targeted Lead Abatement Program. Aimed squarely at owner-occupied homes with confirmed or suspected lead-based paint hazards, the initiative was announced today as part of Milwaukee County's broader efforts to address health disparities and safeguard children's well-being.
"Lead poisoning is preventable, yet it remains a serious public health threat, especially for children in communities with older homes," Crowley stated in an announcement covered by Milwaukee County's newsroom. The program operates under the existing Home Repair Program by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Housing Services. According to officials, the initiative is expected to improve public health and create local job opportunities by hiring licensed contractors for lead remediation work.
Federal funding is supporting the initiative, with a $7.75 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. The grant will cover lead hazard mitigation in up to 200 low-income houses in the county’s suburbs, excluding the City of Milwaukee. Milwaukee County is also providing Community Development Block Grant funds to supplement the federal investment.
Homeowners who are interested in the program must navigate a few criteria to qualify. A household must adhere to specific income guidelines and have at least one child with an elevated blood lead level. Detailed income guidelines are available on the county's housing webpage, and those meeting the criteria can expect no-interest loans, full project oversight, and comprehensive inspections from Licensed Lead Risk Assessors. According to Diane Tsounis, Housing Services Program Manager at DHHS, the program extends beyond mere repairs, striving for "Our team works directly with homeowners to identify lead risks, manage repairs, and make homes safe. The goal is simple: a lead-safe home for children to grow up healthy and strong."
For more information on the Lead Hazard Reduction/Home Repair Program, residents can consult the Milwaukee County website or contact Housing Services directly at (414) 278-4917 to discuss eligibility and application procedures. County and federal officials said the combined efforts aim to reduce lead exposure in affected homes and improve public health for residents.
