WORCESTER — The City of Worcester has secured a $4.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its Lead Hazard Reduction program. The grant is the city’s largest award ever for lead paint hazard abatement.
James Brooks, Worcester’s Director of Housing Development and Healthy Homes, noted the grant, alongside other resources, will bolster efforts to mitigate childhood lead poisoning impacts.
The city plans to address lead dangers in 165 residences, aiming to offer safer homes for low-income families. The effort will be in partnership with UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center, Southeast Asian Coalition, Worcester Housing Authority, CENTRO, and Worcester Head Start.
“This award offers a significant chance for Worcester and local allies to tackle home health risks,” City Manager Eric D. Batista said. He credited the Office of Economic Development’s Housing Division for securing the grant.
A significant portion of Worcester’s homes dates back to the industrial revolution, between 1880 to 1920, often providing housing factory workers. According to the American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate, 77 percent of the city’s housing built before 1978.
Worcester falls below the state’s average lead screening rate and is a high-risk zone for childhood lead poisoning. Currently, 10,917 children under six live in Worcester.
Since 2007, Worcester has received over $19.2 million in grants related to lead paint and healthy housing.
