Lead Safe Homes Program

The Social Development Commission (SDC)’s Lead Safe Homes Program protects children and families from the hazards of lead-based paint in their homes. Eligible homeowners and owners of rental properties can receive assistance with eliminating lead-based paint hazards and creating lead-safe housing units.

The Lead Safe Homes Program is funded through a grant from the Department of Health Services.

The Lead Safe Homes Program provides Lead Inspections and Risk Assessments to identify lead hazards. Additionally, the program provides necessary housing rehabilitation to control or eliminate lead hazards. Only lead-based paint can be remediated with this grant.

Eligibility Requirements

The Lead Safe Homes Program will only enroll homes in the program that meet all of these eligibility criteria.

Owner Occupied Properties:

1. Privately owned
2. Built before 1978
3. Owner Occupied Homes who have at least one Medicaid or CHIP-eligible child under 19 years of age or pregnant woman, or a child under 19 years of age or pregnant woman who visits regularly* e.g. home of a family member, relative or child care where a child spends 3 hours a day on two separate days a week and a total of 60 hours per year. And meet the following income guidelines:

Income Limits for the Lead Safe Homes

Source: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus/fpl.htm

4. Current on all property taxes or have a tax payment plan in place, must provide proof of payment during the enrollment process

5. Covered under a current homeowner’s insurance policy for at least the value of the structure. Documentation must be provided during the enrollment process

Rental Properties:

1. Privately owned
2. Built before 1978
3. Occupied by tenants who have at least one Medicaid or CHIP-eligible child under 19 years of age or pregnant woman, or a child under 19 years of age or pregnant woman who visits regularly e.g. home of a family member, relative or child care where a child spends 3 hours a day on two separate days a week and a total of 60 hours per year

And…

4. Occupied by tenants meeting the following income guidelines and ability to provide income verification:

Income Limits for the Lead Safe Homes

Source: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus/fpl.htm

5. Current on all property taxes or have a tax payment plan in place, must provide proof of payment during the enrollment process

6. Covered under a current homeowner’s insurance policy for at least the value of the structure. Documentation must be provided during the enrollment process

Frequently Asked Questions

Priority Selection(s) for the Lead Safe Homes Program

The Program will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to the following households:

1. Housing that is subject to lead hazard reduction work orders issued by a local health department;
2. The housing of children with blood lead levels meeting Wis. Stat. 254.11(9) definition for lead poisoning (≥5 µg/dL) that are not subject to lead hazard reduction work orders;
3. Housing identified from specific target areas with high rates of both childhood lead poisoning and pre-1950 housing.

What properties can be enrolled in Lead-Safe Homes Program?

Properties have to meet all of the following criteria to be eligible:

• Families with children or pregnant women living in or regularly visiting the home.
• Child or pregnant woman is eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus or
• Families with a household income below 301% of the federal poverty limit. Please see the income guidelines below.
• Homes built before 1978 with old windows or chipping paint.
• Homes with currently paid taxes or enrolled in a tax payment plan.
• Homes properly insured for complete loss.

When a property is approved, what costs are covered under the Lead-Safe Homes Program?

• An assessment of the property.
• Lead-safe repairs, which may include new windows, doors, painting, and other household repairs. The scope of work will be developed based on the inspection report created by SDC and approved by DHS.
• A Lead-Safe Certificate.

How is the work completed?

SDC will select a qualified lead abatement contractor through a bidding process and ensure the contractor meets all the certification requirements.

Why should I participate in the Lead-Safe Homes Program?

• Homeowners: The program covers 100% of the costs to make your home lead-safe.
• Landlords: The program covers between 85 – 100% of the costs to make your rental properties lead-safe. Although you may need to contribute the remaining portion of the costs not covered, the return on investment will be substantial.
• Renters: There is no cost to you. Encourage your landlord to apply today!

How do I get started with the Lead-Safe Homes Program?

Please complete the program interest form below to let us know you are interested and want to learn more. Someone from the program will contact you.

Funded By

Department of Health Services

CR-Social Development Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you need this information interpreted to a language you understand or in a different format, please contact Jennifer Harris, Equal Opportunity Officer, at 414-906-2784 or jharris@cr-sdc.org. Callers who are deaf or hearing or speech-impaired may reach us at Wisconsin Relay Number 711.

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