The City of Topeka has committed $4 million to child safety and lead reduction in disadvantaged areas

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The City of Topeka’s Housing Services Department has received a $4 million grant aimed at improving child safety and lead reduction in homes in disadvantaged neighborhoods, officials announced Wednesday.

The Lead Hazard Reduction Grant will be distributed from Nov. 15, 2024 to Nov. 15, 2028, city officials said in a news release.

These funds will be used to expand the department’s rehabilitation programs to combat and mitigate lead hazards, with the goal of making an estimated 180 homes lead-safe for families, the release said.

The grant will focus on 16 census tracts that are considered disadvantaged and are below 80% of the low to moderate income level, as shown on the City of Topeka’s Justice 40 map.

It is expected that 90% of approved applicants will be families with children under the age of 6, ensuring that the program will directly benefit those most at risk of lead exposure.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will allow us to protect Topeka’s most vulnerable residents by making homes safer for young children,” said Carrie Higgins, director of the Housing Services Division. “By addressing lead risks in older homes, we can prevent lead poisoning and create a healthier living environment for families in our community.”

This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to improving the overall health of the population by targeting lead hazards in homes in historically disadvantaged areas, the release said.

The Housing Services Division will use the grant to enhance its existing rehabilitation programs, with a focus on homes in need of lead remediation, and to ensure that low- to moderate-income families – particularly those with young children – have access to safe housing have.

By working with local partners, the release said, the program will also provide educational resources to help families and property owners understand the risks of lead exposure and maintain safe living conditions.

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