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The Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership recently announced it is seeking applicants to take advantage of funds that were made available through the state's Lead Safe Ohio program.
TNP received $1.8 million from the Ohio Department of Development for lead abatement in December and has until March 31 to have at least half of the funding under contract. It also must have an additional 40% of it allocated by May 31.
Mikenna McClurg, land-bank housing coordinator with TNP, told our reporter last week that TNP had approved only 24 applications, which are either in the assessment phase or their work is out for bid.
It was less than what TNP was expecting -- by a long shot.
"We expected to have people knocking down our doors for this help," McClurg told our reporter.
The program would mitigate the risk of lead in homes by installing new vinyl siding, new vinyl windows and doors, as well as other areas. It also would be free for qualifying residents.
"There's no cost for the residents. There's no liens on houses, which sometimes happens, but not with this program," McClurg said.
Given the benefits of the program and the long-term health concerns surrounding lead in homes, which was banned from residential use in 1978, this newspaper implores Trumbull County residents to take advantage of this opportunity if they qualify.
McClurg told our reporter TNP is seeking homeowners and renters who income qualify, which means interested individuals must be earning under 80% of the area median income.
Of those who qualify, TNP is focusing on households that have children younger than 10 years old living in the home.
"Kids are the most affected, so that's who we're really trying to focus on," McClurg said.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, lead paint can cause a range of health problems, especially in young children who may show no symptoms. When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, like the kidneys, nerves and blood. Lead poisoning can also cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and, in extreme cases, death.
Deteriorated lead paint, both inside and outside of the home, can mix with household dust and soil around a home, which would make it fairly easy to consume inadvertently.
Between the dangerous side effects of lead and the benefits of the Lead Safe Ohio program, this decision is a no-brainer for qualified residents in Trumbull County. Make your long-term health a priority and apply for this program today.
Those interested in doing so can reach out to Hailey Zelinsky at 330-647-6301 or hailey@
tnpwarren.org.
Mahoning County's Lead Hazard Control office received $2.7 million from the state program and plans to handle more than 100 properties with that funding.