Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Program

The Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Program (LHRCBP) is an initiative within the City of Haverhill Community Development Department. Funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Program offers financial assistance for the deleading of pre-1978 housing occupied by low to moderate income households. The Program is available for homeowners and landlords of 1-4 units houses where a child under 6 years old lives or spends significant time. Households with children who have elevated blood lead levels (EBLL) will be prioritized. Applications are expect to open in January 2026. To be notified, please click here to join our mailing list. 

Applicant Eligibility 

Presence of young children or a pregnant woman:

• The household must include a child age 6 or younger who resides in or frequently visits the home, or a pregnant woman currently living in the household. 

Age of the property: 

• The home must have been built before 1978.

Income eligibility:

• For Owner-Occupied Homes: The owner's household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Lawrence, MA-NH region. These income limits are set by HUD and updated each year.
• For Multi-Family Properties (1–4 Units): Half of the rental units must be occupied by tenants earning 50% or less of the AMI. The remaining units must be rented to tenants earning no more than 80% of the AMI.

Note: Landlords are not required to meet any income limits themselves.

Contact

Email: leadsafehomes@haverhillma.gov

Phone: (978) 374-2344

What is Lead? 

Lead is a naturally occurring metal and can be found in various places. It is in soil, water, and products including paint, gasoline, ceramics, ammunition, cosmetics, batteries, and spices. Lead is harmful to human health, specifically to young children. Lead poisoning occurs when lead build up in the body, often over months or years. Children younger than 6 years are the most vulnerable due to their hand-to-mouth behavior. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. 

Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings are common sources of lead poisoning in children. Inside a home, most lead dust comes from chipping and flaking paint or when the paint is scraped, sanded, or disturbed during home remodeling.  

The Massachusetts Lead Law

Homes built before 1978 may contain lead. The Lead Law protects a child's right to a lead-safe home. It requires the removal or control of lead paint in houses with children under 6. If houses built pre-1978 are being sold or rented, sellers, real estate agents, and owners who rent their homes are required to notify their buyers and tenants of lead risks. Learn about Massachusetts Lead Law

Do I have lead in my home? 

Use the link to search for your home's lead history through the MA Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) record: Lead Safe Home Database