FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
−Should my home be tested?
If your housing unit was built in the City of Kenner before 1978, you should have your home tested. Click here to determine if you home was built before 1978.
−Should my child be tested for lead poisoning?
All children should be tested for lead poisoning at the discretion of their physician. Contact the LeadSafe Kenner at 504-468-7588 to see if you qualify for free testing and free blood testing for children enrolled in our program.
−Who is eligible?
Applicants eligible for assistance under the Lead Safe Kenner must:
•Own/rent in a housing unit that was built in the City of Kenner before 1978
•Have a household income that does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income for the household size (occupant income is evaluated to determine eligibility for rental properties)
•Have a child under the age of six residing or visiting in the home more than six hours a week (owner occupied units) or are currently pregnant
•Rental units are not required to have children under six present, however, upon unit turnover, the property owner must commit to making the unit available to families with children under six
−What kind of repairs are made?
Repairs include but are not limited to:
•Removing and replacing windows and doors that have been identified with lead-based paint hazards
•Painting or siding the exterior of a home that has been identified with lead-based paint hazards
•Repairing interior doors to ensure smooth operation to reduce the occurrence of lead contaminated paint dust
Lead Hazard Control activities may include the following type of work:
· Exteriors – Deteriorated lead-painted exteriors will be repaired. This may include wet scraping and painting, the application of vinyl siding or coverage with an approved encapsulate.
· Windows – If window sashes are deteriorated, they may be replaced with new vinyl sashes or repaired. Window troughs may be covered to create a smooth and easy-to-clean surface.
· High-Risk Paint – Other high-risk areas include lead-painted porches, floors, stairs, and parts of doors. Depending on their condition, these areas may be stripped, covered, replaced, or wet scraped and primed and repainted to reduce lead exposure.
· Flooring and Dust – Lead contaminated household dust is a major source of lead exposure and is very difficult to eliminate. The contractor may use special equipment and techniques to thoroughly clean lead dust. Carpets may be removed and/or replaced.
· Bare Soil – Bare soil with high levels of lead is another source of lead exposure. The contractor may cover contaminated bare soil with wood chips, gravel, sod, or clean soil and grass seed.
−What are the income limits?
For current income limits established by HUD for this grant are found below.
2019 CDBG Income Limits New Orleans-Metairie, LA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Family Size | Extremely Low Income 30% AMI | Very Low Income 50% AMI | Low Income 80% AMI |
| 1 | $14,150 | $23,600 | $37,750 |
| 2 | $16,200 | $27,000 | $43,150 |
| 3 | $18,200 | $30,350 | $48,550 |
| 4 | $20,200 | $33,700 | $53,900 |
| 5 | $21,850 | $36,400 | $58,250 |
| 6 | $23,450 | $39,100 | $62,550 |
| 7 | $25,050 | $41,800 | $66,850 |
| 8 | $26,700 | $44,500 | $71,150 |
Household income which does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income for the household size may qualify.
−How do I apply?
Homeowners or renters who wish to apply for assistance must apply for pre-qualification through the online portal or contact LeadSafe Kenner at 504-468-7588 for pre-qualification.
−Then what happens?
After verification of the information provided and the determination of eligibility, an inspection of the property will be made by a rehabilitation specialist to determine the current condition of the property, and preliminary feasibility for inclusion in the LeadSafe Kenner programs.
Homeowners are encouraged to assist the rehabilitation specialist by providing information on problems that you know exist and need repair. After the inspection, if rehabilitation is deemed feasible, a meeting will be set up to discuss the details of the programs and responsibilities of the City, homeowner, and contractors. Families who qualify for Lead Safe Kenner also qualify for the City’s Safe Home Program (when funding is available).
Preference will be given in situations that threaten the health and safety of the occupants. Homes are prioritized as follows:
1.Homes of children with elevated blood lead levels of greater than or equal to 5 ug/l
2.Privately owned, single-family residents (owner occupants)
3.Other agency referrals
Community Development Resources 