MASON CITY — The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health’s Lead Hazard Control Program is hosting an informational home owners meeting for community members to stop by anytime on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 from 5:30-6:30PM on the first floor of Mohawk Square (22 N Georgia Ave, Mason City).
The Department’s Lead Hazard Control program provides funding for eligible homeowners and property owners to remove lead based paint hazards in older homes. Homes built before 1978 are at high-risk for lead-based paint hazards particularly on windows, doors, siding, trim, etc. Additionally, the program helps with healthy homes hazards which can include plumbing, electrical, and HVAC issues, and much more. The greatest risk is to homes built prior to 1960. Cerro Gordo County has a large stock of homes built prior to 1960.
“This is a great way to protect the health of your family for little or no cost,” stated Jenna Heiar, Program Manager & Healthy Homes Program Coordinator. “Over 30 families have taken advantage of this opportunity. This funding is only guaranteed until October 2019, so we encourage you to enroll today!”
The Lead Hazard Control program funds have been made available from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make old homes lead-safe to prevent childhood lead exposure and poisoning.
Funds are available for Cerro Gordo County homes that meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Home is built prior to 1978. Both rental and owner-occupied units are eligible to apply.
- Have at least one child 5 years of age or under living in the home or visiting a significant amount of time (3 hours on two separate days of the week, 60 hours per year total), or have a pregnant woman in the home. Grandparents with visiting grandchildren may qualify.
- Applicant must meet income requirements, which will be determined internally after an application is submitted with ALL required items attached. For owner-occupied housing, applicants must have a gross household income at or below 80% the Area Median Income (AMI). For rental properties, at least 50% of the eligible units assisted with program funds must be occupied by families with incomes at or below 50% AMI with the remaining assisted units at or below 80% of the AMI.
Registration for the meeting is not required. Refreshments will be provided. Lead inspectors will be available to discuss the program one-on-one and assist with enrolling you in the program. Those who enroll in the program receive a FREE $50 Hy-Vee gift card!
For more information on the Lead Hazard Control Program, call Jenna at 641-421-9300 or visit www.cghealth.com.
