Money available to clean lead based paint in Hennepin County

Written by KARE 11

MINNEAPOLIS -- The city of Minneapolis and Hennepin County are receiving millions of dollars in federal money to help clean up lead-based paint in hundreds of homes.
Lynne Kelly bought a house in the north Minneapolis' Camden neighborhood seven years ago. She thought it was a safe place to raise her family. But built well before lead paint was banned, Lynne's dream home is now a safety hazard.
"When the paint is chipping like this, that means there's lead paint in there," Lynne said as she points to the dust in her living room window sill.
Lynne's daughter, 2-year-old Janiah, has tested positive for lead in her system - a low level, but enough to cause concern.
"We have to make sure the window sills are clean and she keeps her hands clean and eats a lot of green vegetables because that flushes out the lead from the system," Lynne said.
Now, Lynne will become one of about a thousand homeowners to get new windows and some much needed home repairs. It's all part of a $6.8 million new federal grant to the city of Minneapolis and Hennepin County to pay for lead abatement and other safety improvements.
"We've done a lot to make north Minneapolis safer, the entire city safer, but we need to make sure that safety starts at home," said Minneapolis mayor R.T.Rybak.
While overall lead levels in children are decreasing, compared to other parts of the state Hennepin County still has the highest number of kids with elevated levels that could lead to potential brain damage. And in Minneapolis alone, there are some 80,000 structures that still have lead based paint.
"So if you have chipping and peeling paint, paint over it, keep it in good repair and you shouldn't have a problem," said Melisa Illies with Hennepin County "Clean to keep that dust level down."
Lynne Kelly knows that the best way to protect little Janiah is to get the lead out of her house altogether. She's thankful the work will begin soon.
"I just don't want her brain to be effected," Lynne added. "I want us all to be healthy."
Get your home tested - apply for the grant
There are thousands of homes in the Twin Cities metro built before 1978 when lead based paint was banned.
If you live in Hennepin County, you can call to have your home tested.
You can then find out whether you qualify for the grant. There is an income limit and you have to have a child under the age of six either living in the home or spending a lot of time there.
Click the links above for more information.