The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) delivered a major win for Northeast Ohio families living in older housing when it awarded the Cuyahoga County Board of Health a $3,231,610 Lead Hazard Control Grant. The funding is earmarked for identifying and removing lead paint hazards from low-income homes throughout the county, with a particular focus on properties where young children live or spend significant amounts of time.

Why This Grant Matters for Homeowners

Northeast Ohio has some of the oldest housing stock in the country. Homes built before 1978, when the federal government banned residential use of lead-based paint, can contain hidden lead hazards in window frames, door jambs, porches, and interior trim. When that paint chips, flakes, or turns to dust, it poses serious risks, especially to children under six and pregnant women. Lead exposure is linked to learning disabilities, developmental delays, and lifelong health problems.

For homeowners who cannot afford the five-figure price tag of a full abatement project, grants like this one fill a critical gap. Instead of choosing between rent, groceries, and a safer home, qualifying families can get the work done at little or no cost.

Who Qualifies for Assistance

While each awarding agency sets its own application process, HUD Lead Hazard Control Grants typically prioritize:

Owner-occupied homes built before 1978
Households at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
Homes where a child under six lives or regularly visits (including grandchildren)
Pregnant women living in the household
Rental properties serving income-qualified tenants, when the landlord agrees to program rules

In Cuyahoga County, the Board of Health partners with contractors certified in lead-safe work practices, so homeowners do not have to track down specialty firms themselves.

What the Grant Actually Covers

Lead hazard reduction is more than just painting over old surfaces. With this funding, eligible homes can receive:

Professional lead risk assessments and dust-wipe testing
Window and door replacement (a top source of lead dust)
Interior and exterior paint stabilization or removal
Soil remediation where exterior paint has contaminated yards
Specialized cleaning and clearance testing after the work is finished
Temporary relocation assistance during active abatement

The average cost per home typically runs between $10,000 and $20,000, which is why a multi-million-dollar grant can touch hundreds of families.

How to Apply

Homeowners interested in the Cuyahoga County program can start by contacting the Cuyahoga County Board of Health's Lead Hazard Control Program. Be prepared to provide:

Proof of ownership (deed or current tax bill)
Proof of household income for all adults
Documentation showing a child under six lives in or regularly visits the home
Year the home was built (usually on the property record)

An inspector will visit the property, identify lead hazards, and develop a scope of work. Once approved, the county coordinates with licensed contractors to complete the job.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

With limited dollars and strong demand, not every applicant gets funded right away. To move to the top of the list:

Apply early in the funding cycle before waitlists form
Document the presence of young children with pediatrician records
If a child has elevated blood lead levels, include those test results; many programs prioritize these cases
Keep your home accessible for inspections and make requested repairs before the visit
Respond quickly to any follow-up requests from the program

Other Ohio Programs Worth Checking

If you live outside Cuyahoga County or while you wait on an application, explore:

Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition grants of up to $10,000 for eligible property owners
Lead Safe Akron and Summit County programs offering up to $20,000 per home
Ohio SCHIP Lead Hazard Abatement Grant for statewide assistance
USDA Section 504 loans and grants for rural homeowners tackling health and safety hazards

Stacking programs is often allowed and can be the difference between a partial fix and a truly lead-safe home.

The Bottom Line

A $3 million federal grant does not solve Northeast Ohio's lead paint problem on its own, but it does mean real help for real families. If you own an older home and have young children in the picture, this is exactly the kind of program worth a phone call. The paperwork takes effort, but the result, a safer home and healthier kids, is worth every minute.

Northeast Ohio Wins $3M Federal Grant to Remove Lead Paint From Low-Income Homes