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Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration (LHRD) Program

What is the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program (LHRD)?  Painting supplies

LEADSAFE Erie County Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program (LHRD) is a low-cost initiative available to property owners, qualifying families and home-based day cares.  

This program provides lead hazard identification & contracted labor and supplies (value not to exceed cost of correcting lead hazards only) to remediate and control lead hazards at your property.  It is funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

This program is not intended to perform non-lead related renovations or home rehabilitation work, although some funds may be available for minor healthy home improvements.  

The property does not have to be owner occupied to qualify.  In some cases a small financial contribution is required by the property owner.

All work is performed by EPA-certified lead abatement contractors.

LHRD brochure

LHRD flyer

What do Qualifying Properties Receive?

Qualifying can receive the following items:

  • Free lead-based paint inspection and risk assessment (valued at $800/unit). 
  • New windows, doors, siding, trim, exterior & interior painting, porch repair and home safety measures (if identified as a lead or healthy homes hazard). Lead windows

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible, the property must be in Erie County and:

  • Built before 1978
  • Is a one, two, three, or four unit building
  • A child or children under the age of 6 years old living in the home OR regularly visiting more than 6 hours per week
  • You meet the minimum household income eligibility guidelines.  Occupants of units undergoing the application process and must conform to HUD income guidelines.  If you have questions, or are not sure if you are eligible, call us at 716-961-6800 or send an email to leadsafe@erie.gov.

How do I Apply?

APPLY HERE

You may also call 716-961-6800 or send an email to leadsafe@erie.gov.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

See below for commonly asked questions.  If you have additional questions, please call the ECDOH Lead Program at 716-961-6800 or send an e-mail to leadsafe@erie.gov.

What does Lead Hazard Reduction Mean? 

Lead Hazard Reduction is activity geared towards control and elimination of lead-based paint (LBP) hazards, including interim controls and abatement.  

Interim controls are a set of measures designed to temporarily reduce human exposure to LBP.

Abatement is a set of measures to permanently eliminate LBP hazards.

As a part of LEADSAFE Erie County, LHRD performs cost effective interim controls and limited abatement of lead hazards. If no lead hazards exist, the program cannot offer assistance. LHRD is NOT a rehab program.  

How does the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program work? 

The program begins with you completing a simple application form.  Once accepted, the program proceeds as follows:  

  • A "Letter of Intent" is signed with the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) that explains the program and outlines responsibilities and commitments of all partners;
  • The ECDOH staff will then complete a lead paint inspection/risk assessment at the property identifying all sources of lead and any lead hazards. The ECDOH will also collect income information to verify the applicant(s) conform to HUD guidelines for the program;
  • Program partner, Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Inc., will then prepare an estimate of the work and secure bids from certified lead contractors to perform lead hazard reduction work;
  • The bid is awarded and the property owner signs a contract with the contractor for the scope of work;
  • Using Lead Safe Work practices, the contractor completes the work as stipulated by the contract;
  • Finally, a clearance exam is performed by ECDOH to ensure that no lead hazards remain
If my children are all 6 years old or older can I still participate?  

Possibly. Due to HUD grant guidelines there must be a child under 6 years old either living in or spending more than 6 hours a week at the property. Homes with well-documented visiting children and daycares will be accepted. If you or someone in your home is pregnant, you can qualify as well.  

What is a lead based paint inspection/risk assessment?  

A Lead-Based Paint (LBP) inspection is a surface by surface investigation to determine the presence of LBP. A risk assessment is an on-site investigation of residential dwellings to discover any lead-based paint hazards. Both are completed at the same time during the LEADSAFE Erie County program inspection.  

How long will it take to have the work done and complete the program?  

Depending on the number of lead hazards identified and the cooperation by all parties, it will take approximately 1 week to remediate the hazards. From start to finish, the entire program can take up to 4 months.  

Will I have to relocate my family or tenants while work is being completed?  

Every effort will be made to allow you to stay in your home. However, you must leave the property while work is in progress. Most work will be completed during normal business hours and except on rare occasions, participants will be able to return at the end of the day.  

Am I required to repair any lead hazards that have been identified?  

All lead hazards identified during the risk assessment must be corrected whether or not the property is further enrolled into the program. The Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program is designed to cover contracted costs up to an average of $10,000 for supplies and labor. However, if costs of repairs exceed the maximum amount available through the grant, the property owner is responsible for covering the additional costs.

What if I choose not to participate in the program after I sign-up?  

You have the option of leaving the program up until the signing of the contract with the contractor. However, you must still repair any lead hazards identified.  

Will I receive a cash award or stipend to make repairs in my home?  

No. You will receive lead hazard reduction work valued at up to an average of $10,000. The program is designed to cover only the cost of repairing lead hazards, and all repair funds (supplies and labor) go directly to the contractor performing the work.  

What if I have a deteriorated window that does NOT contain lead? 

ONLY surfaces that have been identified as a lead hazard are eligible for interim controls or abatement. 

I am a landlord. What will be required of me and my tenants to participate?  

The program staff and contractors performing the work will require entry to the unit numerous times throughout the project. It will be necessary for you to assist in coordinating this. Without access, the work cannot be completed as specified in your contract and required by HUD guidelines.  

It sounds like a lot of work to participate in the program. Is it worth it?  

YES! Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or property owner, safety of our community's kids is of great concern. What better way to protect them than by making sure that no child will be exposed to lead hazards while at your home?   

Are there qualifications to participate? 

Yes. Your property must be in Erie County, built before 1978, have a child or children under the age of 6 living in the home or visiting more than 6 hours per week, and meet the minimum eligibility guidelines listed below. All children under 6 must be tested for lead before work begins. Assistance is available for this as well.   

HUD guidelines require the occupant to have and provide documentation that their household income is less that 80% of the median Erie County Household Income*. Preference will be given to those occupants whose income is 50% or less of the median income. *income before taxes; see table at the top of this page  

Related Programs

Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration (LHRD) Program Partners  LHRD partners

Contact 

Erie County Department of Health 
Environmental Health Division
LEADSAFE Erie County Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program (LHRD)
503 Kensington Avenue (see map)
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: 716-961-6800
Fax: 716-961-6880 
Email: leadsafe@erie.gov

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