Galesburg, Illinois (January 6, 2020). The City of Galesburg, Illinois was awarded a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Help Eliminate Lead Program Grant in the fall of 2019. DCEO was awarded this funding from the federal agency, Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Grant monies are being used for Lead Hazard Remediation in low-to-moderate-income, privately-owned, owner-occupied and rental units throughout the community. A family of four can qualify for the grant with an annual income of $52,050 or less.
The program has started providing lead hazard remediation at no cost to homeowners and tenants. The initial results have been very positive, and the recipients are pleased with the work done on their homes. A recent participant said, “This program has made my family’s life much better. My house is safer for my grandson.”
Wayne Carl, Director of Planning and Public Works said, “I am encouraged by the citizen response to the grant but there are many more slots available for the lead remediation work. Galesburg has a high percentage of older homes and rental units that could have lead hazards.” All citizens, especially households in which a child has tested positive for elevated lead blood levels, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Priority will be given to households with pregnant women, children under six, children with elevated blood lead levels and households where children under six frequently visit. Frequent visitation is defined as three hours a day, two days a week or a total of 60 hours a year.
Additional funding will include Healthy Homes Supplemental Funding. These funds will be used to enhance, expand, and strengthen activities that reduce significant housing-related health and safety hazards.
Properties will need to be located in Galesburg city limits, built prior to 1978 and have lead-based paint hazards in order to be considered for this program. Applicants who are unsure if their home or rental unit has lead-based paint hazards, or if they meet program criteria are encouraged to submit an application for review. An assessment of any lead-based paint hazards in the home will be conducted as part of the application process.
Applications are available on the City’s website, Galesburg City Hall or Knox County Health Department. Questions may be directed to Jeff Cozadd with Western Illinois Regional Council at 309-837-3941 or Judy Guenseth with the City of Galesburg at 309-345-3652.
*Courtesy of The City of Galesburg*
