HUD's mission has always been to help every American have a decent home and suitable living environment. Today, under the leadership of President Bush, the Department is committed to ensuring healthy housing for America's families.

Secretary Martinez has proclaimed October 2002 "Healthy Homes Month" as part of that commitment and to help eliminate housing-related threats to children's health and safety. Throughout the month, visit HUD's Healthy Homes Month page. You'll find resources and information for parents, communities, state and local agencies, child-advocacy groups, private landlords, public housing and public health agencies, and housing industry professionals. Our goal is to celebrate by focusing attention on safe and healthy housing, especially for America's legacy and hope for the future: our children.

For parents, HUD's Healthy Homes Month page can be an essential family resource. They can learn what they need to know about the potential dangers that are hidden in many American homes today including lead poisoning and other dangers posed by lead-based paint, carbon monoxide, unhealthy drinking water, hazardous household products, poor indoor air quality, pesticides and much more. It has brochures and links that will help you learn if your home has hidden safety and health dangers, and gives options for a wide range of actions to protect your children's health - and make your home a Healthy Home.

In fact, HUD's Healthy Homes Month page can be an important resource for any home with children. Grandparents and child care providers can learn what any good parent would want to know about protecting the children in their care. Landlords, real estate agents, and public and private property managers can visit the page and other areas of HUD's Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Office to ensure that their properties are Healthy Homes.

Throughout October, 2002, focus on making YOUR home a Healthy Home!