Lead Hazard Reduction Program
Inspection and Assessment
A state-certified lead inspector will conduct a Lead Inspection Risk Assessment (LIRA) to test for lead inside and outside of the home.
Blood Testing
If lead is found in your home, we will refer you to our health partner (El Rio Community Health Center) to get children under six years of age blood tested. If they have elevated blood levels El Rio will provide health guidance.
Lead Hazard Removal
Our Residential Rehabilitation Program Specialists will create a scope of work to reduce lead hazards and address additional health or safety concerns. We will work with city-approved licensed contactors and follow safety protocols.
The Process
1
First step is to apply at Neighborly, our online application portal! If you need help finishing your application, our eligibility specialist can help on the phone, over email, or in person. When reviewing your application we will collect additional information needed for the program, such as identification (drivers license or state ID) and income documentation (bank statements or paystubs). Applicants must meet all requirements.
2
If approved, we will order a Lead Inspection Risk Assessment (LIRA). A state-certified lead inspector will test for lead hazards and create a report with recommendations for long term lead abatement.
3
If lead is found in the home we will enroll you in the program and refer you to our partner clinic for optional and free blood testing for children under six years old. If lead is not found in the home, we will not refer you for blood testing and you will not be enrolled in the program.
4
Depending on how many projects we are working on, there may be a waitlist. Once ready to start, we will inspect the home and determine the scope of work. If we have additional funding, we may also be able to complete other health and safety improvements, such as installing a new roof, HVAC, electrical upgrades, and more.
5
After determining the scope, we must submit the project for environmental review-- this can take a while if the home is older than 45 years old or located in a historic area.
6
Next, we will release a bid to contractors. After a contractor is selected, we create a timeline for you-- the project may be delayed if certain items, like windows, need to be ordered.
7
Construction begins! Sometimes this happens in two phases if one contractor is completing the lead removal and another is completing additional home improvements. If extensive work is being completed inside the home, we may need to temporarily relocate you.
8
After the work is complete we will conduct a final clearance test to check for lead dust to ensure the space is safe.