The city of Dubuque is receiving a flush of federal funding to aid its Lead and Healthy Homes Program.
Dubuque's Grants Project Manager Nicole Lytle says the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded the city grants for over 27 years. The grant funding this year totals nearly $5.2 million. She says over 80% of the city's housing stock was built before 1978 when lead paint was banned.
"So due to that large amount of housing stock being older homes that are most likely starting to deteriorate, anything along those lines on the inside or outside, we're able to apply for this grant and continue to help families become healthier and safer in their homes," Lytle said in a phone interview with WVIK.
The program is available for residents living within city limits and inside a structure built before 1978. Lytle says the lead-removal grant can total up to $30,000. She mentions that homeowners must also have a child under the age of 6 living in or visiting the home. For renters, there is no requirement for a child to live or visit the unit.
Lytle says residents can fill out an interest form, including any concerns about the property, on their website. Residents can also call (563-589-1724).
"So if they have lead paint concerns, or maybe they have like a leaking roof, or they have, you know, any electrical issues, anything along those lines. We ask that they put them in there because we do have not just the lead program, but some other rehab programs within the city that we can refer them to make sure that we can help them out as best as we can," Lytle said.
The program also gives out up to $10,000 for HUD income-qualified residents to create healthier homes and an additional $5,000 to remove household hazards.
The program partners with the Dubuque Visiting Nurses Association, which sends a representative out each time a city inspector visits a property to test for lead paint. The association provides information to residents on various programs and agencies that could aid them. They also offer on-site testing for lead.
"And so they're able to test the children for any blood lead level to see if they're elevated or anything along those lines to help make sure that we're able to help those who need it the most," Lytle said. "So it is a first-come, first-serve basis unless they have an elevated blood lead level. And then we help those homeowners first because the children are actually poisoned by the lead."
Lytle says residents interested in the program should apply as soon as possible as it could take some time for work to commence; an example given was someone needing new windows applying now to ensure inspection before the warmer months when work could begin.
Lytle's job includes visiting the homes to ensure the work is being completed and no issues are arising. She says the best part of this grant program is the real-world impact of protecting children.
"They're the most affected by lead paint. And so exposure to the lead paint can cause brain damage and nervous system damage, it can cause learning and behavioral problems. It slows their growth and even causes hearing and speech problems," Lytle said. "So for us to be able to go in and either replace or remodel or refinish windows, repaint their homes, refinish flooring, because even varnish can have lead paint or lead in it, anything along those lines just to help keep these families safer and help prevent these children from being poisoned."
The grant is divided over three years, and Lytle says the city hopes to clean up 30 homes a year, totaling 90. The city's Community Development Block Grants and other local sources will also contribute nearly $700,000 in additional funding.