January 9, 2023 – The Central New York Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY initiative recently received a third round of funding from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to put toward the cost of replacing exterior doors and windows in rental units resided in by low-income individuals. The $125,000 grant will allow the initiative to continue its efforts city-wide. Over the past three years, the Cabrini Foundation has provided a total of $475,000 in support of LeadSafeCNY.
The renovations are paid for by nonprofit housing and community development organization Home HeadQuarters at no cost to property owners through a deferred loan. Property owners are required to retain ownership for a two-year compliance period, enforced through a lien placed on the property. Since LeadSafeCNY launched in 2018, more than 1,000 windows and 140 doors have been replaced and more than 160 safe and affordable rental units have been either newly constructed or renovated.
The EPA reports that chipping lead paint is the leading source of lead poisoning in the United States. Due to friction points from frequent opening and closing, doors and windows are the primary sources of paint chips and dust particles that contain lead. Elevated blood lead levels in young children have been found to cause reduced brain function, impacting the skills needed for academic success, physical activity and social interaction. This can lead to a higher likelihood of ADHD diagnosis, absenteeism, criminal behavior, violence and suicide.
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, which awards grants to meet the unmet healthcare needs of individuals, families and communities throughout New York State, chose to support LeadSafeCNY for its potential to significantly improve the health and safety of children in Syracuse.
“This program promises to prevent lifelong negative health ramifications of early lead exposure,” said Msgr. Gregory Mustaciuolo, CEO of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. “We are pleased to help address such a vital need in the Syracuse community.”
The Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY initiative also recently awarded two grants to local organizations addressing lead poisoning. The City of Syracuse received $84,000 to hire a technical product manager who will manage case records related to lead ordinance enforcement, lead program implementation and interagency information sharing. Greater Syracuse Land Bank received $75,000 to make three previously vacant Syracuse homes lead-safe and ready for sale.
The Community Foundation established LeadSafeCNY in 2018, committing to invest $2 million to fund a variety of approaches to address the region’s high childhood lead poisoning rates. According to the Onondaga County Health Department, 10 percent of Syracuse children tested in 2021 were shown to have elevated blood lead levels. The total amount invested in the community to date through LeadSafeCNY is $1.97 million.
Those interested in learning more about LeadSafeCNY or viewing local lead data can visit leadsafecny.org. Property owners interested in applying for the Windows & Doors program at Home HeadQuarters can visit www.homehq.org.
