9978-09 Appropriating $2,463,435 from Community Development (Fund 212), defraying expenses of CED

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St. Joseph County Housing Consortium Lead-based Paint (91.215 (g)) 1. Estimate the number of housing units that contain lead-based paint hazards, as defined in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, and are occupied by extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families. 2. Outline actions proposed or being taken to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards and describe how lead based paint hazards will be integrated into housing policies and programs, and how the plan for the reduction of lead- based hazards is related to the extent of lead poisoning and hazards. Lead poisoning from deteriorating lead paint in housing is the most serious environmental threat to the health of children in the St. Joseph County and the United States. Lead based paint in housing also leads to the abandonment of residences. Exposure to even small amounts of lead causes decreased intelligence, learning disabilities, and the inability to manage anger. These effects are permanent. Exposure to large amounts can be fatal. The greatest source of lead poisoning is lead-based paint in homes that were built before 1978. Lead poisoning of children from deteriorating paint in homes is a serious problem in St. Joseph County and all of its cities and towns. Up to 300 children are lead poisoned each year in the county and more than 3,000 children have elevated lead levels. The St. Joseph County Board of Health has declared that "childhood lead poisoning prevention is a critical priority for the Health Department" and called upon "all government officials and the community organizations to enhance their support for the elimination of childhood lead poisoning throughout St. Joseph County." In St. Joseph County, 77% of all homes contain lead paint. A breakdown of the age of housing stock is shown in the table below. Percent of Pre-1979, Pre-1960 and Pre-1940 Housing in St. Joseph County. Location % Pre- 1979 Housin ' %o` Pre- 1960 Housin % Pre- 1940 Housin Total Housing Units Population South Bend 88.3 67.7 28.7 46,230 107,789 Mishawaka 72.8 43.3 24.5 21 619 46 557 Walkerton ~ 81.6 57.6 27.6 868 2,274 Osceola 91.4 61.4 26.4 711 1,859 New Carlisle 86.1 64.6 30.1 631 1,505 North Libert 85.8 67.5 39.2 590 1 402 Lakeville 86.0 70.8 40.7 302 567 United States 67.2 35.0 15.0 Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2000 data) 2000 census data also show that 82,313 units in St. Joseph County were built before 1979. Deteriorated lead based paint in homes in St. Joseph County causes 1) homes to be to be declared unfit for habitation by children by the Health Department; 2) prevents homes from qualifying for assistance programs, such as the weatherization program; and 3) makes homes unlivable and thereby leads to abandonment of homes that would otherwise be 2010-2014 Housing and Community Development Plan 25,