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Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Program
Regístrese en: Para registrarse y solicitar un intérprete en el evento, envíe un correo a lead.hazard@accgov.com o llame al 762-400-6018
Lead-Safe, Healthy, & Thriving
Protect Your Family, Protect Your Peace
There’s no place like home — especially when it’s a place where your family is safe, healthy, and thriving. Imagine a space where children can grow, learn, and thrive without the overlooked threat of lead-based paint.
That’s what a lead-safe home makes possible.
ACCGov’s Housing and Community Development received a Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant from U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This grant is intended to help us prepare our community to better prevent and respond to lead hazards in homes—especially those built before 1978 where children 6 and under reside or visit often.
At Housing and Community Development (HCD), we believe that everyone deserves to live in a home that supports their well-being—not one that quietly puts their health at risk.
In partnership with HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, our mission is to help families and property owners across Athens-Clarke County — especially families with young children —take meaningful steps to prevent lead poisoning and create healthier living environments. To learn more about ways lead-based paint can affect your health, from the Georgia Department of Public Health.
What You Should Expect from a Safe and Healthy Home
Whether you’re renting, buying, or owning, you deserve to feel confident that your home supports your family’s well-being.
As a tenant or homeowner, you should expect:
- A living space that is free from lead-based paint hazards.
- Clear information about any known lead hazards and risks before you move in or purchase your home.
- Supportive tools and trusted resources to identify and reduce exposure.
These are the first steps toward building a healthier household and a thriving community.
Why This Matters
Lead-based paint is commonly found in homes built before 1978. When it deteriorates, it creates lead dust that can seriously harm children, especially those under 6, and expecting mothers. Even at low levels, exposure can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral challenges.
But, there’s good news! Lead poisoning is preventable, and we’re here to help you take action.
Who Should Get Involved
- Parents & Guardians: Especially those with children under 6 or living in older homes (houses built before 1978)
- Landlords & Property Owners: Learn how to meet safety standards and protect tenants
- Contractors & Maintenance Teams: Get trained and certified in lead-safe practices
- Community Organizations: Partner with us to spread awareness and provide support
Be Part of the Solution
The success of this program is a community effort. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, renter, homeowner, housing provider, or service organization, your role matters.
You can help us show that there is a need for this program and funding by:
- Spreading the Word – Share information about lead hazards and the resources available to help keep homes safe. The more people who know, the more lives we can protect.
- Participating in Education Programs – Joining us at upcoming education session and community events focused on lead safety. By learning more, you can better protect your family and help others do the same.
- Sign Up for a Risk Assessment – January 2027, will begin identifying homes that have lead hazards. If you own or live in a home built before 1978, signing up for a risk assessment can help us find and fix these dangers before they cause harm.
Keep an eye out for updates on how to participate!
Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community by creating more lead-safe homes.
Contact: Kelley McLean - Lead Hazard Program Manager, 706-613-3155 ext. 8343
Download Our Lead Safety Fact Sheet
Our work isn’t just about raising awareness, it’s about taking action. One of our current goals is to educate and bring awareness to our community about the risk of lead hazards, and prevention measures. If you would like to be notified about upcoming outreach and education sessions, please contact the Housing and Community Development department.
Lead-Safe. Healthy. Thriving.
Because protecting your home means protecting the people you love most.