Hocking Athens Perry Community Action Receives $1,661,000 in Grants to Protect Local Residents from Toxic Lead | December 21, 2023

Hocking Athens Perry Community Action Receives $1,661,000 in Grants to Protect Local Residents from Toxic Lead

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Hocking Athens Perry Community Action is one of 53 grantees selected to receive funding aimed at protecting more of Ohio’s families from the dangers of toxic lead.

This funding comes from the new Lead Safe Ohio program, which is allocating a total of $84 million to support lead mitigation and prevention projects in residential properties, childcare facilities, and congregate care facilities in 72 counties across the state.

"Every Ohioan deserves the right to live in a home free from the silent threat of toxic lead," Governor DeWine said. “Behind every instance of lead exposure is a face, a family, and a future put at risk. This funding signifies a decisive step in our mission to protect those futures and create a healthier and safer Ohio for generations to come.”

“We want to create a safe environment for all children in Ohio, and lead poisoning can have lasting effects on the ability for our young people to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “By removing this health hazard from our communities, we’re helping ensure the future leaders of our state have the tools to live up to their fullest potential.”

Today’s award will support Hocking Athens Perry Community Action in completing construction-related lead mitigation activities such as waterline replacement, window and door replacement, siding enclosure, soffit enclosure, porch component repair, lead cleaning efforts, and more.

“Hocking Athens Perry Community Action is thrilled and honored to have access to this grant funding through the Ohio Department of Development in coordination with the Ohio Department of Health to serve households and reduce lead related health hazards in homes.  This assistance aligns with our mission and we look forward to beginning this work which, simply put will provide an investment in homes that may otherwise never occur.” said Glen Crippen, Director of Housing & Community Development at Hocking Athens Perry Community Action.

The $1,661,000 awarded to Hocking Athens Perry Community Action will be used on owner-occupied and rental properties.

The program, first announced back in May, is administered by the Department of Development, in coordination with the Ohio Department of Health.

“We’ve all known the risks of lead exposure for decades and in Ohio, we’re turning awareness into action,” said Director Mihalik. “By working with our local partners to identify at-risk properties and facilitate these crucial repairs, we’re building safer neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for thousands of Ohioans.”

Lead poisoning is most commonly caused by lead-based paint, which produces chips and dust when deteriorating. While lead poisoning can affect individuals of all ages, children are at the greatest risk. Children's bodies are more susceptible to the harmful effects of lead and are less able to detoxify their bodies of the harmful substance. Long-term exposure to lead can impact physical and mental health and ability to learn and earn an income.

Since taking office in 2019, Governor DeWine has been an unwavering leader in his work to address the consequences of lead poisoning and increase lead abatement in Ohio homes. Working with the legislature, he has expanded early intervention services to include children with elevated blood lead levels. He also formed a Lead Advisory Committee to help spearhead the state’s efforts to remediate lead contamination and offered more than $44 million in grants to identify and eliminate lead paint in Ohio homes.

As part of the H2Ohio initiative, Ohio EPA has awarded nearly $8 million to remove and replace lead service lines and for lead line identification and mapping assistance. This total also includes $1.25 million in H2Ohio funding to support lead service line replacement projects at childcare facilities in Cincinnati and Cleveland.

Additional information on the Lead Safe Ohio Program can be found on the program webpage.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

Hocking Athens Perry Community Action mobilizes resources to empower individuals and communities through advocacy and quality services that promote self-sufficiency and improved quality of life.

For Lead Safe Ohio Program information in Hocking, Athens, and Perry Counties, contact:
Jeremy Boggs

(740) 753-3062
jeremy.boggs@hapcap.org