Lead Hazard Reduction Program
Hamilton County Public Health received a $2 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program. This funding aims to reduce lead paint hazards in homes built before 1978 and improve healthy housing conditions, such as ventilation and moisture control. The program is available to low-income families with a child under 6, a pregnant woman, or where a child under 6 spends time. Most participants incur no fees or out-of-pocket expenses. For more information, call our Lead Prevention line at 513-421-5323.
Location Requirements
Eligible applicants must live in Hamilton County, excluding the cities of Cincinnati, Norwood, and Springdale.
For more information on locations within Hamilton County Public Health’s jurisdiction, go to Who We Serve.
Pre-Screening Eligibility Requirements
- The home is a single family or multi-family property (4 units or less) built before 1978.
- The property must have one or more bedrooms per unit (No efficiency apartments).
- Residents must be at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
- The household must include either a child under the age of 6, a pregnant woman, or have a child under the age of 6 that regularly visits the home for 6 of more hours per week.
- Priority will be given to homes occupied by a child under the age of 6 whose blood lead level is 5 μg/dL or greater.
- The home can be owner occupied or rental housing.
- Property taxes and mortgage payments (if applicable) must be current.
- Utilities including water and electricity must be on and available.
Post Lead Hazard Reduction Requirements
To be eligible for this grant, owner-occupied units must keep the property as their primary residence for 3 years after work is completed.
Owners of rental units must make units available to low-income families, with priority given to renters with children under six, for 3 years after work is completed.
How to Apply
You care about the health of your family, and we want to help make your home a safer and healthier place. If you, or someone you know, meets the requirements stated above, we want you to apply!
To get started:
- Download the Cover Letter for more information about the application process and necessary documents.
- Download and complete the Property Application, Occupant Information, Relocation Information and Visiting Child Form electronically or by printing and clearly filling them out.
- Send in your Property Application, Occupant Information, and all other required documents.
- Electronic forms can be emailed to: cinlead@pwchomerepairs.org
- Printed forms can be dropped off at or mailed to:
People Working Cooperatively
4612 Paddock Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45229
For any questions or assistance with applications, reach out to People Working Cooperatively at cinlead@pwchomerepairs.org or call them at (513)366-4697. For additional questions or assistance, reach out to us at HCPH.LeadHazardReduction@hamilton-co.org or call us at 513-421-5323.
Other Lead Prevention Services
Free Paint Chip & Soil Testing
Hamilton County Public Health provides testing of household chipping paint and soil for lead. Click here to view the guidelines for paint and chip testing.
Common Sources of Lead Poisoning
Over 80 percent of all homes built before 1978 in the U.S. contain lead-based paint. Click here to view spaces in residential properties that are commonly susceptible to lead hazards.
HEPA Vacuum Loan Program
Hamilton County Public Health loans HEPA vacuum cleaners at no charge ($100 refundable deposit required) to assist property owners with lead cleanup and removal. Please call the Health District’s Waste Management Division at (513) 946-7879 for more information. View loan agreement guidelines here.
Lead Hazard Control Orders
HCPH publicly lists open lead abatement work orders so that property owners, tenants, and purchasers are aware of existing lead based paint hazards on residential properties. View the current list here.
