Getting the Lead Out in Lynn

Federal and local officials tour a newly deleaded home in Lynn to see how the city is putting HUD Lead Hazard Control grant funding to work. (l to r) Office of Healthy Homes Field Representative Marty Nee; Region 1 Administrator Jim Reed; U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton; city of Lynn Mayor Judith Kennedy and homeowner Latasha Dobson in the kitchen of the newly deleaded home. First time homebuyer Latasha Dobson's new home that recently underwent lead remediation work utilizing HUD lead hazard control grant funding that the City of Lynn had received.

Latasha Dobson is grateful for the $2.9 million in Lead Hazard Control grant funding that the city of Lynn was awarded from HUD, without it her dream of homeownership may not have become a reality. Ms. Dobson began as a participant in the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development's First Time Home Buyers Program, she found the house of her dreams, built about 1900, it had a lot of potential but it also had significant lead hazards. After purchasing the home, she enrolled in the Lynn Lead Abatement Program (LLAP), in December of last year. The LLAP was given special approval to fund $28,600 towards lead abatement making her new home safe for her 12-year old son Keith, 5-year old daughter Teonnie and 3-year old daughter Aquinnah.

U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton and city of Lynn Mayor Judith Kennedy joined HUD New England Regional Administrator Jim Reed, Deputy Regional Administrator Kristine Foye and Healthy Homes Field Representative Marty Nee to tour Latasha's newly deleaded home and talk about the experience.

"Buying a new house is a big transition, and it was nice to know I didn't have to worry about it affecting my children's health. I am thankful for the program and glad to see it continue," Ms. Dobson said.

Massachusetts has the 4th oldest housing stock in the country; 88% of the homes in Lynn were built before 1978.

"We are very grateful for the City's recent award of HUD's Lead Hazard Control Program grant funds. Our hope is to reach as many residents as possible who can take advantage and utilize this new funding," said Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy. "The Lynn Lead Abatement Program affirms the City's and the Lynn Housing Authority's commitment to providing decent, safe and affordable housing for all Lynn residents. The continuation of this program ensures that low-income families no longer have to choose between a lead safe environment for their children and housing they can afford."

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