Lead hazard reduction demonstration grant program

The Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control awarded County of New Castle Department of Community Services $7.687 million on March 16, 2026, under the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program (CFDA 14.900) to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in privately-owned rental and owner-occupied housing in New Castle, Delaware.

The recipient will target lead hazard control efforts in housing units constructed before 1960, with particular emphasis on pre-1940 construction in low-income and minority neighborhoods where children under age six face the greatest risk of lead poisoning. Activities include applying cost-effective lead hazard control methods, building local capacity through training and certification of individuals and firms to address lead hazards safely, and developing community-based approaches through public and private partnerships that integrate this program with other local health and housing initiatives. The grant also supports identification and control of other housing hazards beyond lead-based paint through supplemental Healthy Homes funding.

Period of performance runs from March 16, 2026, through March 18, 2030. The assistance type is a project grant.