The Dallas Housing and Revitalization Department won a federal grant of $2.3 million to remove lead from homes. Only four homes received assistance. The city returned most of the funds to the federal government, leaving multiple residents exposed to lead.
The Dallas Morning News found that:
- The city spent about $400,000 from the grant, while about $1.8 million remained unused, according to a financial report submitted to the federal government earlier this year. The city returned most of the funds to the federal government, leaving multiple residents exposed to the effects of lead.
- The Dallas housing department said 38,935 homes were eligible for lead abatement, and the goal was to abate lead in 330 homes.
- More than 90 residents applied for the program, but only 53 homes were inspected, and only four residents had contractors remove lead from their homes during the three-year program.
- The grant was intended to target homes built before 1978, primarily homes with children under the age of 6, because their health is particularly vulnerable to lead exposure.
- The city said it wanted to test 180 children for lead levels in their blood. Only 27 children were tested.
- The housing department told residents the program was closed due to a lack of certified lead abatement contractors. The city gave The News a different explanation: The program required a standalone approach to administering the grant, which required additional staff time and program requirements.
The Dallas housing department authorities who oversaw the program did not respond to multiple requests for interviews since February. Residents are still waiting for the lead to be removed from their bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms.
