Resources for Families

At this time, CLASH does not have funds for relocation assistance for families. We're working on it and hope to have more news shortly.

If you have reason to believe that your child has an elevated blood level, contact your medical provider and ask for a confirmatory blood test. 

What are some reasons to believe your child may have an elevated blood lead level?

1. Your child received an elevated blood level on a "finger prick" test.

2. Another child in your building, child care facility or playgroup received was identified as having an elevated blood lead level.

3. You have identified chipping, peeling or deteriorated paint in or around your home. You have patches bare soil in or around your home.

Other short term assistance

Bright Beginnings Parent Support Lead Program: case management, peer support and more. 

PRC: Preservation, Retention and Contingency Financial assistance for "Shelter assistance services for rental assistance and/or security deposits/or utility assistance, or there is lead poisoning in the house. 

• Email - Submit as an attachment to Cuy-PRC-Application@jfs.ohio.gov. 

• Drop-off - Neighborhood Family Service Center Location Drop Boxes

• Fax - Submit to (216) 987-8655. 

• Phone - Call (216) 987-7392 to leave a message requesting for a PRC application to be mailed to you.

If you need legal advice, contact FairShake LLC. email: https://www.fairshake-els.org/contact

Here are three steps that families can take to address lead hazards at home. 

• Cleaning can reduce lead exposure.

• Identifying Lead hazards in your home.

• Report Lead Hazards to your landlord and City of Cleveland.

Step 1: Cleaning your home.

• EPA has a handbook on steps families can take to protect their children from lead exposure. Your landlord should have provided a copy of this document at the beginning of your tenancy or you can request a copy from CLASH.

• Rent a HepaVac and do a thorough cleaning. Deep cleaning will raise some dust so make sure the children and pregnant women are outside the home for at least 8 hours after the cleaning.

• Use Dustwipes to do spot clean ups after a thorough cleaning.

• Professional cleaning agencies that have experience with Lead safe cleaning standards may be of assistance.

• The dirty truth about taking your shoes off at the door

• Ohio Department of Health has other tips on cleaning.

Step 2 Identifying Lead Hazards in your home

• Identifying and Reducing the Risk of Lead: Friction Impact Surfaces. Produced by Cleveland Department of Public Health

• There are no longer any EPA approved home lead test kits. CLASH is in the process of identifying DIY home lead test kits. Watch for details.

• CLASH can help with testing bare soil in and around your home. Contact clevelandleadsafe@gmail.com

• Get information about lead risks from Cleveland Water Department. When in doubt, home water filters can help. CLASH is working on water testing resources.

Step 3: Report Lead Hazards to your landlord and your local Department of Building and Housing.

• Notify your landlord in writing of any signs of chipping, peeling or deteriorating paint surfaces or bare soil. Email or Text Message is a written notice. KEEP A COPY. 

• In Cleveland, report your complaint Cleveland’s Citizen Complaint Line. Dial 311 or email: Cleveland311@clevelandohio.gov. If you are outside Cleveland, call your city's office of building and housing. 

• If you fail to get a response from your landlord or your city's office of building and house, contact CLASH at clevelandleadsafe@gmail.com to learn more about your rights.

Before you or your landlord begin to remove lead hazards, make sure your contractor is using Lead Safe Practices.

• EPA Renovate, Repair and Paint Standards

• EPA Renovate Right booklet is available on line, at local paint sellers in Cleveland, or by request from CLASH.