Syracuse Lead Grant Program

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Overview

The Syracuse Lead Grant Program exists as a resource to assist qualifying homeowners and tenants with lead remediation funds. The purpose of the program is to address issues caused by lead-based paint by reducing lead hazards in City of Syracuse homes with young children. Common repairs provided by the program are new windows, doors, siding, and porch work. Participation is on a first come, first served basis.

LEAD FACTS

  • Most homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint.
  • Breathing in or swallowing dust from lead-based paint can cause health, behavior or learning problems that do not appear right away. 
  • Children are more likely to be exposed to lead paint and dust by putting their hands or objects into their mouth.  

  • The only way to test for lead poisoning is with a blood test.  

Need your child tested? Contact your doctor or call the Onondaga County Health Department Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 315-435-3271. Click here for upcoming testing dates from the County.

PROGRAM GOALS

  1. Lower the number of children with raised levels of lead in their blood.
  2. Create more lead-safe housing in low-income areas.
  3. Teach families about the risks of lead. 

BACKGROUND

The Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD) administers the Syracuse Lead Grant Program, most commonly called the “Lead Program”. This program is funded by several special purpose grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and is supported by local foundations and organizations in the City of Syracuse. The program allows eligible property owners, tenants, and landlords to apply for funding and assistance with fixing lead-based paint hazards. All grant-funded work completed through this program is completed by EPA certified contractors.

Self-Services

FAQ'S 

What is lead exposure and how does it occur?

Lead exposure occurs most commonly by breathing or eating lead contaminated dust, paint chips, and/or soil. Lead contaminated dust is created most frequently where friction of painted surfaces occurs (i.e. opening and closing windows and doors that contain lead-based paint). Due to the heaviness of lead, lead dust settles on floors and other surfaces where children play, therefore exposing them to the substance. 

Common renovation work and repair activities can disturb lead-based paint and create lead dust and chips. This is why Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certified contractors must complete all remediation work. 

How do I know if my child has been exposed to lead?

In most cases, there are no outward immediate physical symptoms of lead poisoning. A blood test is the only way to know if your child has been exposed to lead. If you suspect your child has been exposed to lead, please reach out to your family’s doctor to have a blood test done. Please see a list of cleaning methods and tips for controlling lead exposure in your home here.

How do I know if my home has lead?

You need an expert to test your home for lead-based paint such as the City's trained Code Enforcement Officers, County Health staff, and external certified resources.

  • The City of Syracuse Lead Hazard Control Office requires inspections for potential lead-based paint hazards as part of our current inspection processes associated with Rental Registries, Certificates of Compliance, and general complaints. To file a complaint or schedule an inspection, call 315-448-8695. 

  • The Onondaga County Health Department provides lead inspections and will teach you how to protect yourself and your children from being exposed to lead. If you rent an older home or apartment, are pregnant, or have children under age seven living with you, you may be eligible for a FREE lead inspection. Call 315-435-3271 to learn more.  

How can the Lead Program help me?

The program offers grants that pay for experts to fix problems with lead paint in your home or in a house you own and rent out. These experts are certified by the EPA to test and/or remediate lead-based paint hazards.

What type of work is done?

A lead inspection of your home will determine the type of work that gets completed through the program. Common work includes:

  • Replacing or repairing old doors, windows, siding, and porches.
  • Safely removing lead-based paint hazards from your home. 
  • Covering up lead-based paint, so it won’t be harmful.

How much assistance can I receive?

The amount of assistance will vary depending on the number of lead-based paint hazards in the home.

Who is eligible to participate?

Participation is on a first come, first served basis. Tenants, landlords, and owner occupants can apply to this program as long as they meet the following requirements: 

  • Live in homes containing lead-based paint hazards in the City of Syracuse.
  • Own or occupy a one to four family residential structure built before 1978.
  • Have a child under age six who lives or spends a “significant” amount of time in the home. Significant is defined as at least 3 hours per day on 2 separate days in a week (6 hours per week total), and at least 60 hours total per calendar year. 
  • Have a current annual gross household income of no more than 80% of the median income for the County (Learn more about income requirements(PDF, 389KB)).

Are there any requirements for eligible properties?

  • The property must be protected by a current Homeowners Insurance Policy. 
  • The property must be covered by flood insurance, if located in a designated flood zone.
  • The property should have all property taxes and mortgage(s) current. Properties in a formal repayment agreement will be considered.
  • Vacant units may be eligible for this program, but properties with children under six will receive first preference.

Apply for the Lead Grant Program

Instructions and Application

Contact Us

Phone

315-448-8710

Email

lead@syr.gov

Location

One Park Place

300 South State St., Suite 700

Syracuse, NY 13202 

 

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