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Hidden Dangers Lead paint will not always be as noticeable as the photo to the left, and not all poisoning comes through the ingesting of paint chips. Lead dust can be invisible to the naked eye. Areas such as doors and windows that have friction and impact surfaces can generate lead dust causing lead poisoning through inhalation. Understanding where lead hazards exist in the home and having them properly controlled by a certified lead abatement contractor can help prevent child lead poisoning and its irreversible effects.
How the Program Works The City of Allentown has received funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Health to address lead paint and healthy home hazards in residential properties. This funding is available at no cost to qualified homeowner’s and landlords of income qualified tenants. The homes must be occupied or frequently visited by a child age 6 or younger.
Interested owners must contact our Financial Specialist to request an application and provide requested documentation. Once approved, a lead risk assessment and a healthy home inspection will be completed. City staff will prepare a scope of work to address the identified hazards and the project will be completed by approved and licensed lead abatement contractors. Occupants must be temporarily relocated until work is complete. The home will be retested for traces of lead dust and once cleared the family will be permitted to return home.
Who is eligible? Homeowners and landlords who own a residential property in the City of Allentown, built prior to 1978 and occupied by a pregnant woman and/or children age 6 or younger. The occupants must have a combined income at or below 80% of the median household income.
The chart to the right shows the maximum amount of combined income allowed per family size. Example: A family of 4 must earn less than $62,550.
If you would like additional information, please email CommunityHousing@AllentownPA.gov.
The properties along South 8th Street, from Union to Walnut, are part of an ongoing Gateway Improvement Project. Utilizing a Community Development Block Grant, the City is currently completing 9 façades.
City of Allentown - 435 Hamilton Street - 610-439-5999 | Login