EVANSTON, IL - The Evanston Health and Human Services Department (HHS) has partnered with the Cook County Department of Public Health to provide the removal or reduction of lead and other qualifying environmental hazards in the homes of Evanston residents. This service is being provided at no cost to eligible tenants and property owners.

Eligibility 

Residents qualify for the program if they:

-Live in a residence built before 1978

-Live with a child under 6 years old or babysit or have a child under 6 years old who visits often

-Have an income below the program limit (80 percent Area Median Income based on family size)

To learn more about the program and determine eligibility, community members should visit cityofevanston.org/leadhazard to complete a short survey available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole and Arabic.

How lead hazards are addressed

Specific work needed varies depending on the home, but may include replacing windows and repainting interior or exterior surfaces.

Lead mitigation work must be conducted in a safe manner in order to contain the hazards. A licensed lead abatement contractor will perform all the work and will coordinate with program participants to schedule work.

Hazards of lead exposure

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that is used in a variety of products such as batteries and pipes. It has many beneficial uses; however, lead exposure, especially in children and pregnant women, can cause a variety of health risks including:

-Lower IQ

-Learning difficulties

-Slowed growth

-Reduced kidney function

The HUD Healthy Homes program promotes safe and sanitary housing as a means for preventing disease and injury. Along with lead hazards, other hazards such as mold growth and carbon monoxide may also be addressed.

This is a great opportunity for Evanston residents to receive potentially costly home repairs at no cost. Providing a safe home environment helps put each child and family on the path to reaching their full potential.

For more information about lead poisoning and hazard reduction, visit cityofevanston.org/lead. For additional questions, please contact the Evanston Health and Human Services Department at [email protected] or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 311 in Evanston.