PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Portland Housing Bureau has been awarded $7.7 million from a federal program, aiming to protect children from lead-based paint hazards in Portland homes.
The funding stems from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program and will help the city build on its lead remediation and home repair programs, which serves 31 Portland households per year on average, according to HUD.
The federal funds will serve 136 Portland households over four years, and can be used to fix older homes, preserve affordable housing, and enhance lead hazard control.
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“We are deeply honored and grateful for this vital support from HUD,” Portland Housing Bureau Director Helmi Hisserich said in an Oct. 15 press release announcing the funds. “This funding allows us to do more than just repair homes—it empowers us to protect the health and well-being of our youngest and most vulnerable residents. By ensuring every child can grow up in a safe, healthy environment, we’re improving lives today and building stronger communities and a brighter future for Portland.”
According to HUD, lead is “highly toxic” and can affect every system in the body. High levels of exposure can cause convulsions, coma, and death.
While adults can experience lead poisoning, the groups most at risk include infants and children 6-years-old and younger.
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At low exposure levels, lead poisoning can impact children’s brain development and nervous systems, and can lead to reduced IQ and attention span, reading and learning disabilities, along with behavioral problems.
“No Oregonian—regardless of where they live—should have to worry about whether their home is poisoning them or their children,” Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley said. “This federal funding will help Portland address the threats posed by remnants of lead-based paint hazards. I will continue to fight for more resources to ensure that every Oregonian has a safe place to call home.”
Sen. Ron Wyden added, “All Oregonians should feel safe in their homes free of fear that lead paint threatens their health or that of their loved ones.” He furthered, “I’m gratified these federal resources will aid Portland’s work to reduce the dangers of lead paint, and I’ll keep battling to secure similar investments for communities all across Oregon.”
by: Michaela Bourgeois Posted: Oct 21, 2024 / 04:50 PM PDT
https://www.koin.com/news/portland/portland-awarded-7m-to-address-highly-toxic-lead-paint-in-homes/
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