Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Cleveland CIty Council, and community based organizations have put together a plan to address lead issues at CMHA. 

There are three parts to the plan to make CMHA lead safe.

1. Beginning in the Spring of 2025, There will be Lead Risk Assessment testing in CMHA apartments. Focus is on pre-1978 buildings where there is no record of previous lead testing. CMHA has issued a Request for Proposals for state Certified Lead Risk Assessors to do this testing work. 

2. CMHA will sponsor child lead testing for CMHA residents who request it. Testing will be conducted by local health providers and scheduled to be convenient for CMHA families. 

3. CMHA has asked Cleveland Lead Advocates for Safe Housing to reach out to families living in CMHA units with lead safety information and lead safety training. In addition, CLASH will be providing lead safety information to CMHA staff to that they better understand their duties under HUD's Lead Safe Housing Rule.

Lead Safe Awareness Outreach Activities

• Who we are and what we're doing? Cleveland Lead Advocates for Safe Housing (CLASH) is an all volunteer coalition of grassroots organizations which is working to make Cleveland Lead Safe. CLASH is reaching out to CMHA residents to share information about lead safety, alert residents to upcoming events including lead risk assessments, child lead testing and resident training and engagement events.

• Your Rights to Lead Safety in CMHA. As a resident of Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing, you have rights and duties that are outlined in the HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule, the Ohio Landlord Tenant Law, and the City of Cleveland Codified Ordinances. This pamphlet is a summary of those rights and duties. If a resident need legal advice, contact Cleveland Legal Aid Society or a private attorney. If you want more detailed information visit CLASH Website LINK and QR code. Click here for more detailed information.

• What is Lead and why is it in my home?

  • • Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be harmful to people. People are exposed to lead by eating lead paint chips, or inhaling  lead dust. Children may pick up lead dust from soil, carpets, or polluted air.

    • Children younger than 6 years are more likely to be exposed and most likely to be harmed if they are exposed.

    • There is no safe level of exposure. Even low levels of lead in blood are associated with developmental delays, difficulty learning, and behavioral issues. 

    • The effects of lead poisoning can be permanent and disabling.

    • Not all homes built before 1978 have lead hazards…but all must be tested.

    • Not all children living in pre-1978 homes have been exposed…but all must be tested. Click here for more information

• Participate in a Resident Survey. 

Is money the barrier to expanded child lead testing?

Think of Child Lead Testing as an infrastructure investment

• Aug. 13, 2024. cleveland.com: Other Voices. Link a deal on Browns stadium with commitment to children’s well being. 

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Cost Benefit of child lead testing

City-CMHA concerns raised by CLASH members

Conduct thorough inspections of all properties to identify lead hazards, particularly in paint, dust, soil, and water.

Implement a schedule for regular lead testing, especially in older buildings, to monitor any changes in lead levels.

Immediate Remediation

Train and Hire more certified professionals (6 certified professionals is not enough)

Cover or remove contaminated soil in play areas and around the building foundation.

Water Safety: Install and maintain certified water filters to remove lead from drinking water. (Something tells me it's not just in the homes but also in the water and soil)

Resident Education and Support

Provide residents with information on the dangers of lead exposure and tips for reducing risks in their homes.

Provide residents with information on healthy foods to reduce lead poisoning

Offer lead testing for children and pregnant women

Conduct workshops to educate residents about lead safety and preventive measures.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Work closely with local health departments to provide mobile testing vans

Provide mobile testing vans at workshop events

Long-term Planning

Develop a long-term plan for lead hazard control, incorporating feedback from residents and stakeholders.