How do I know if my house has lead paint?
If your home was built before 1978, it probably has lead paint on the inside or outside surfaces. The only way to know for sure is to get your surfaces tested, a process that BNT will pay for if your family meets the eligibility requirements (see below).
What is the difference between lead abatement and lead remediation?
Lead abatement refers to the safe containment of lead paint while lead remediation refers to the removal of lead paint. For example, if your home is found to have lead on all of the exterior surfaces, BNT’s abatement planner may develop a plan to safely contain the surfaces with new siding rather than remove all of the existing siding.
Is everyone eligible to get financial assistance?
No. Eligible families must meet one of the criteria outlined below and earn less than the income listed. Please call us if you’re unsure if you qualify.
Criteria:
1. Family has a child 6 years of age or younger
2. Family has a visiting child 6 years of age or younger, who spends a minimum of 2 days a week, with a minimum of three hours per visit.
3. There is a pregnant family member.
(The pregnancy qualifies as a child 6 years of age or under.)
Income Requirements:
Family size |
Income |
Family size |
Income |
| 1 person | $45,500 | 5 people | $70,200 |
| 2 person | $52,000 | 6 people | $75,400 |
| 3 person | $58,500 | 7 people | $80,600 |
| 4 person | $65,000 | 8 people | $85,000 |
How much financial assistance is available?
The amount of financial assistance is determined by the amount of work that needs to be done to make the house lead-safe. BLFF typically pays for 100% of the work done to a home.
I don’t own my home, I rent. Can I still sign up?
Yes, sign up! We will contact your landlord and inform him or her about this program.
I’m the owner of a vacant home. Can I sign up?
Yes, sign up! BLFF will pay for your lead removal if you agree to rent the property for at least 3 years to a low-income family with children below the age of 6.
Call Sabine Kuczo, Program Manager (BLFF) at (203) 576-8220.
BNT’s Lead Education and Outreach Trainer, Gejuan Williams, would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the dangers of lead poisoning or upcoming educational programs. Call (203) 332-7977 ext 309 for more information.
What will I learn at an educational event?
You will learn what you can do to keep your home and your children safe from lead and other hazards commonly found in homes.
I’d like to organize an educational event for my community. How do I do that?
We would be happy to work with you to set up a program. In fact, we encourage you to invite BNT to speak to a group of family, friends or your organization. No group is too large or too small! Call Gejuan Williams at (203) 332-7977.
I’d like to help make Bridgeport a city where every home is safe! How can I help?
Call us! We welcome volunteers to join our effort to help all parents create a safe, healthy home for their children.