Lead Hazard Removal in California is primarily supported by a one-time 2019 lawsuit settlement with lead paint companies to several counties, and ongoing grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Property owners and renters in the following counties can visit and apply for the local settlement funds or HUD lead hazard grant funds via website links listed below:
Additional resources alongside Lead Hazard Removal
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides loans and grants for weatherization work including repair and replacement of damaged windows and doors, which may mitigate lead-based paint hazards. Find the WAP providers in each county in California.
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program allow a property owner to finance the up-front cost of energy improvements (including the replacement of windows and doors) on a property and then pay the costs back over time through a voluntary assessment. Information specific to California as well as what property owners should consider before entering into a PACE agreement
PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy): What Homeowners Need to Know | The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (ca.gov)
HUD provides home repair and rehabilitation grants thru the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Hundreds of California local governments participate in the CDBG program. Some CDBG funds support the Home Improvement Grant Program (HIGP) that provide loans and grants for residential repair and rehabilitation. Every county has a CDBG representative assigned by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. HUD also provides direct to property owner loans for rehabilitation and repair as well as property improvement.
Most counties, cities and towns also participate in the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides grants and loans for rural single family and multi-family home repair.
Additional single family home weatherization upgrade programs for window, door, and sometimes roof replacement, are available in the following counties:
HUD’s Lead Hazard Reduction Grant is a program focused on reducing lead-based paint hazards in eligible housing units. The objective is to safeguard the health of children and vulnerable populations residing in older housing units containing lead-based paint by addressing lead exposure risks.
Lead-based paint, commonly used in homes constructed before 1978, can pose significant health hazards if not properly maintained or remediated, leading to the release of hazardous dust and chips. Young children are especially at risk, facing serious health issues like developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems when exposed to lead.
For the latest information on the availability of the HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and its specific guidelines, refer to HUD’s official website or contact your local HUD office.
Grants and loans are available to support various aspects of childhood lead poisoning prevention. A general search for government support will begin by examining the United States grants portal and the California grants portal. Search terms may include:
- For lead hazard removal: “lead paint” and “abatement”
- For building component replacement after lead hazard removal: “healthy home,” “energy efficiency,” “weatherization,” “retrofit” and “housing repair”
- For childhood lead poisoning detection and prevention: “blood lead,” “lead poisoning” and “environmental health education”
The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions offers an excellent funding guide and direct funding (PDF) for a range of childhood lead poisoning surveillance and prevention activities. IRS tax deduction for lead-based paint removal in response to childhood lead poisoning. See “Lead-Based Paint Removal.”