CMHA: What is the plan for Lead Safety?

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

As a part of the plan, CMHA residents are invited to participate in an online survey about lead safety. You may respond anonymously, but if you leave your contact information, Cleveland Lead Advocates for Safe Housing will send you a $10 Amazon Gift card.* (If you’d prefer to fill out a paper survey, tell our canvasser.) We’ll mail your gift card if you share your contact information.)  

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 approved contracts for six lead risk assessment companies to begin conducting inspections.

2. CMHA will sponsor child lead testing for CMHA residents who request that their children be tested. 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. 

• 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