HUD ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION TO PROTECT PORTLAND CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FROM DANGEROUS LEAD AND OTHER HOME HAZARDS
Funding builds on remarkable success of HUD programs in healthy housing

PORTLAND - Lower income children and families in Portland will live in healthier homes because of a $3 million grant announced by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson (see grant summary below). The grant is part of nearly $168 million awarded around the nation to help local communities to conduct a wide range of activities to improve the conditions of families living in lower income housing, including:

• To remove potentially dangerous lead from lower income homes;
• To stimulate private sector investment in lead hazard control;
• To educate the public about the dangers of lead-based paint;
• To fund model programs promoting healthier and safer home environments; and,
• To support scientific research into innovative methods of identifying and eliminating health hazards in housing.

"Every family deserves a safe and healthy home to raise their children," said Jackson. "The funding we announce today will help protect children from dangerous lead, fund important research into healthier housing and will create other public and private investment to improve the living conditions of thousands of homes."

Lead Hazard Control Grant Programs

The City of Portland will be awarded $3,000,000 to continue its efforts to integrate lead hazard reduction into affordable housing programs in the Portland region. The intent of this effort is to recognize the regional nature of the area's housing needs and develop corresponding solutions. Portland's program has partnered with many local agencies and community based organizations (Portland Development Commission, the Multnomah County Health Department, and the Housing Authority of Portland). The program will reduce lead based paint hazards in 280 units with approximately 60 percent of those being single-family units and 40 percent being multi-family units. Community awareness, education, and outreach will be accomplished through a number of program partnerships. The Portland Lead Hazard Control Program intends to support increased contractor capacity in the lead industry by continuing to provide financial assistance for lead training and insurance. The City of Portland has committed $1,072,000 in matching funds for these efforts. Contact: Vera Katz, Mayor (503) 823-2379.

HUD's lead hazard control program has a remarkable track record. Since the program began in 1990, more than 26 million fewer homes have lead-based paint. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the
number of lead-poisoned children in the U.S. declined by half in the past decade. Today, HUD's program is active in over 115 communities, helping to clean up lead hazards in low-income, privately owned housing.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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