The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced last week it awarded Kent County and the City of Grand Rapids nearly $8.5 million to protect children and families from lead-based paint and other home health hazards.

Kent County received nearly $2.5 million from the Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant and the City of Grand Rapids received $6 million from the Lead Hazard Control Demonstration Grant to identify and address lead-based paint hazards in homes. Additionally, the City received $600,000 from Healthy Homes supplemental funding to help with safety and non-lead health hazards.

“With over 50 percent of our homes constructed prior to the ban on lead paint, the health and safety of our community is a top priority,” said Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Stan Stek. “This grant will provide the necessary funds to ramp up our capacity and further tackle in-home lead hazards.”

The Kent County Health and Community Action departments will use the County funding over three years to develop a new lead program for communities located primarily outside of the City of Grand Rapids. This includes, but is not limited to, abatement activities, contractor development, and a countywide educational campaign. Additionally, this funding will be used alongside the $3.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the Kent County Board of Commissioners in December 2022.

This marks the nineth grant the City of Grand Rapids has received from HUD. Since the City’s program began in 2004, lead-based paint hazards have been addressed in more than 1,500 homes, 154 people have been certified as lead abatement professionals, and 3,400 residents, property owners and contractors have been trained in lead-safe cleaning and work practices.

“We have operated a successful program for nearly 20 years, but there is still much work to do,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “We are thrilled to receive another round of funding to protect children’s health and preserve housing affordability in Grand Rapids.” 

Over four years, the City of Grand Rapids funds will address lead-based paint hazards in 180 homes, assist 40 individuals or businesses in obtaining lead abatement supervisor certifications, and train 600 rental property owners, contractors, and others in lead-safe work practices.

“Lead abatement is a new service for Kent County but very necessary to ensure that every child has the opportunity to live in a healthy and thriving environment,” concluded Stek. “Our staff is excited to strengthen our partnership with the City and community organizations in addressing lead hazards and making a real impact in our community."