- I want someone to make my house lead safe and need help paying for it.
-
The Metropolitan Partnership for Lead Safe Housing can provide financial assistance
(grants, foregiveable loans low-interest loans) to eligible property
owners to address lead hazards and reduce the risk of children becoming lead poisoned.
To determine if you are eligible, please click on the blue “Am I eligible box?”
- Am I eligible?
-
Are you a homeowner or landlord in Polk or Dallas County?
Was your property built before 1978?
Is your income (or the income of your tenants) less than 80% of the median family
income for our community?
Does a child under the age if six years old live with you, or spend a significant
amount of time at your property?
If you answered “yes” to ALL of these questions you be eligible for assistance from
the Metropolitan Partnership for Lead Safe Housing.
- What am I eligible for?
-
If you are a homeowner you could be eligible for a grant of up to $10,000. If you
are a landlord you could be eligible for a grant of up to $9,000 for each rental
unit.
In addition, depending on where you live you could also be eligible for a low-interest
and/or foregiveable loans.
- How can I apply?
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You can call 515-286-3596 or 515-286-2115 and one of our Program Specialists can
start the intake process or you can download the application form.
- What do I need to submit?
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We will need:
- Verification of your income
- Proof that your child(ren) under the age of six have had a lead test in the past
6 months
- Mortgage and utility payment verification
- Household insurance verification
- How do I know if there are lead hazards?
-
A certified lead inspector will conduct a paint inspection/risk assessment of your
property. This will include: conducting a visual inspection for peeling or cracking
paint; checking for the presence of lead (using X-Ray Fluorescence technology) and
collecting soil and dust samples. The Lead Inspector will provide you with a report
identifying the lead hazards present and recommendations to address them.
It is important for you to know that if lead hazards are identified you will be
required to disclose this information to any future buyers or renters, even if you
decide not to fix them or pursue this program.
- I want to repair my house myself to make it lead safe.
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Cutting, sanding, scraping and other activities of renovation can release dangerous
lead paint dust, which can permanently harm all members of your household, but
especially children under age six. Once airborne, lead paint dust can
get on many surfaces where children can encounter them, and into the soil outside
homes. Very small amounts of dust can be toxic. There are specific “lead-safe work
practices” which, if followed, will significantly reduce the risk of anyone getting
lead poisoned. Polk County Health Department has a video, Don’t Spread Lead,
you should watch to learn how to keep your household safe. Call us at 515-286-2115
to get a copy, or
see our website.
- Who will do the work?
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Only certified lead abatement contractors are allowed to do the work on projects
that receive MPLSF financial assistance.
These contractors must prove they have received the required training in using lead
safe work practices.
- Will we be at risk during the repair?
-
All the members of the household must be relocated to lead safe housing while the
work is being done. You will not be allowed to re-enter your home until the work
has been completed and a “clearance test” has been conducted and it has been determine
that the home is “lead safe.”
You may choose to stay with a friend or family member. If their home was built before
1978 we must conduct a lead inspection of their home. If lead hazards are identified
they will be required to disclose this information to any future buyers or renters.
- How long will it take?
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Most projects can be completed with 15-30 days.
- How will we know the hazards have been fixed?
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A certified lead inspector will conduct a “clearance test.” This includes a visual
inspection to see if the work has been completed. It also includes collecting soil
samples and dust wipes. These samples will be tested to determine if the home is
“lead safe.”
- I’m a contractor and want to bid on projects.
-
Only certified lead abatement contractors are allowed to bid on projects that receive
MPLSF funding. Contractors must attend training in lead safe work practices to become
certified. More information about lead abatement contractor training is available
at IDPH Approved Training Providers
Certified Lead Abatement Contractors must also complete a “Contractor’s Questionnaire.” To receive a questionnaire, please call 323-5335.