Springfield Healthy Homes

Protect Your Family from Lead Poisoning

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 20:59:17 GMT

Join our free community events in Springfield or Holyoke to learn simple steps for a lead-safe home.

Every child deserves a safe and healthy home. Yet, lead poisoning remains a hidden danger in many Massachusetts homes. The good news? Lead poisoning is preventable, and there are steps you can take to protect your family.

To help families learn how to spot and prevent lead hazards, we’re hosting two free community events on Lead Poisoning Prevention this fall. These interactive evenings are designed to empower parents, caregivers, and community members with the knowledge and resources to keep children safe.

What You’ll Learn

At these sessions, you’ll discover:

How to recognize common sources of lead in homes and neighborhoods
Practical, everyday steps to prevent exposure
Local programs and services that can help you reduce risks

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions, connect with local partners, and take home useful materials.

Family-Friendly and Fun

Bring the kids! Both events will include fun activities for children and light refreshments for all attendees.

Whether you attend in Springfield or Holyoke , you’ll receive the same valuable information, so pick the date and location that works best for your family!

CLPPP 2023 Annual Report

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:56:36 GMT

2023 Annual Childhood Lead Poisoning Surveillance Report

The 2023 annual Childhood Lead Poisoning Surveillance Report is now available.

It includes the latest data on screening rates and prevalence, which Massachusetts communities are at higher risk, and their response to emerging lead topics.

See it here: https://www.mass.gov/lead-data-and

reports #NLPPW2024 #LeadFreeKids

Lead Poisoning Prevention and Awareness Event

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:59:25 GMT

Free In-Person Event for Lead Poisoning Prevention & Awareness

Join us for a FREE Lead Poisoning Prevention and Awareness Workshop where you will learn ways in which you can protect yourself and your family from lead exposure.

In this workshop, you’ll learn:

- Key steps to prevent lead poisoning
- How to identify potential sources of lead exposure
- How to connect with resources around lead abatement and education

Refreshments will be served
Kids are welcome to attend- activities will be provided

Link to register: bit.ly/3BuWTf1

New Housing Resource

Mon, 06 May 2024 19:26:27 GMT

Housing Search Assistance

The SUN Program provides four weeks of personalized support and guidance to individuals navigating the housing search process with a housing voucher. SUN Advocates are here to assist you with various aspects of your search, ensuring a smoother and more successful experience through application assistance, follow-up support, accommodation requests, and referrals and resources.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for the SUN Program, you must:

Have an active housing voucher
Reside in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, or Worcester county

Interested in Learning More?

If you're interested in accessing the support and resources offered by the program, reach out via email to SUN@massfairhousing.org .

To learn more about this program please refer to the flyer that is available

New Age in Place Remediation Program Available

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:50:33 GMT

For older adults in Springfield, MA

Revitalize CDC's Age in Place Program is designed to address potential hazards that may lead to falls and injuries within your home for older adults in Springfield, MA. This program offers a comprehensive evaluation by Certified Aging in Place Specialists and Occupational Therapists, all at absolutely no cost to you.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for the Age in Place Program, you must meet the following criteria:

You must be a resident of Springfield.
You must be 50 years or older.
You must own your current residence.
Your household income must fall within federal low-income guidelines.

How to Apply

To request an application or learn more about the program, please contact:

Roxana Alequin, CAPS
Email: RAlequin@RevitalizeCDC.com
Phone: 413-788-0014

To learn more about this program please refer to the flyer that is available in both English and Spanish

Mold & Housing Guidelines

shudson@publichealthwm.org (Sarita Hudson) — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 18:23:20 GMT

I nformation on how to address moisture and mold

We have compiled an updated list of guidelines around mold and housing with the help of colleagues from across the state. Stay tuned for more information.

State and National Guidelines on Mold and Housing - Feb. 2024

Increased Tax Credits for Lead Abatement

shudson@publichealthwm.org (Sarita Hudson) — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 19:43:41 GMT

Up to $3000 for Letter of Compliance; up to $1000 for Letter of Interim Control

On October 4, 2023, Gov. Healey signed new tax credits into law. Included in this was an increase in the state lead paint tax credit which has increased from $1,500 to $3,000 for a Letter of Compliance, and from $500 to $1,000 for a Letter of Interim Control. Find out more about financial assistance for deleading: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-financial-assistance-for-deleading

New Eviction Resource- MadeUptoCode

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 20:14:45 GMT

You deserve a safe and healthy home!

Massachusetts tenants can find out if their home is safe according to the state sanitation code by visiting MadeUptoCode.org . This website can help you get the repairs you need and even defend against eviction!

DPH Updates Housing Code

shudson@publichealthwm.org (Sarita Hudson) — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 00:13:24 GMT

New regulations focus on mold, pest management

After a process that began in 2017, DPH has finally approved a new version of the Sanitary Code that regulates housing. The new code includes new language on pest management and mold caused by excess moisture. Learn more about the updates to the Housing Code.

Lead Poisoning Awareness Health Fair

shudson@publichealthwm.org (Sarita Hudson) — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 19:41:09 GMT

Join us on Friday October 21 at Square One!

Please join us on Friday October 21 ^st for an in-person Lead Poisoning Awareness Health Fair, in partnership with Square One . This event will be from 11 am – 1 pm at 1095 Main St. Springfield.

Learn about lead poisoning prevention, network, and build relationships in the communtiy. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, please contact Karlos Reyes at 413.858.3116

kreyes@startatsquareone.org

Springfield Residents, Your Input Needed

shudson@publichealthwm.org (Sarita Hudson) — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 21:06:05 GMT

What are the most pressing needs in Springfield?

Join us to share your thoughts about where this investment should go. There are 2 events to choose from:

Thursday, October 6, 2022, 5:30-7:00PM
Brightwood Library Community Room, 359 Plainfield Street, Springfield, MA
Free meal, $20 gift card to first 20 participants!
REGISTER NOW!

Thursday, October 13, 2022
12:30-1:30PM
Virtual Zoom Meeting
*You will receive a link when you register
REGISTER NOW!

NEW! Lead Poisoning Prevention Episode

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 17:15:47 GMT

Learn about Lead in Water and its Effects on your Health, Listen to our Latest Episode.

According to the CDC, Lead can enter drinking water when a chemical reaction occurs in plumbing materials that contain lead. This is known as corrosion – dissolving or wearing away of metal from the pipes and fixtures. You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water. If you think that you or your child has been exposed to lead in water, contact your health care provider. Most children and adults who are exposed to lead have no symptoms. The best way to tell if you or your child has been exposed is with a blood lead test. Read more

Lastly, listen to the latest Lead Poisoning Prevention Podcast hosted by Karlos Reyes, a Lead Poisoning and Prevention Community Health Worker titled " Lead in Water " to learn more about its effects on the go. This podcast is available on both Spotify and YouTube .

New research shows dangerous pollutants from gas stoves

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 12:05:22 GMT

Research focuses on Boston homes

A study led by research team including Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, PSE Healthy Energy, Atmospheric and Environmental Research AER, Gas Safety Inc., Boston University, and Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) found that gas used in homes throughout the greater Boston area contains at least 21 different hazardous air pollutants that may impact air quality and health, wherever natural gas is leaked. The research, published in Environmental Science & Technology, is the first to test for health-damaging air pollutants in unburned natural gas when it is used in our homes.

Researchers collected over 200 unburned natural gas samples from 69 unique kitchen stoves and building pipelines across Greater Boston between December 2019 and May 2021.

Learn more about HEET and read the full study.

Lead Abatement Ad Campaign

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 12:05:19 GMT

Take Advantage of this FREE Money! Make your Home Lead Paint Safe!

We have several ads airing on various TV spots promoting the City of Springfield's Lead-Paint Hazard Reduction Program .

Have you seen our ads on TV? If so, send us a screenshot and give us a shout-out on social media! Lastly, share our video advertisement among your networks! Watch and share the video .

Springfield Designates $5 Million in Funding For Healthy Homes!

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 12:05:16 GMT

The City of Springfield receives ARPA Funding for Housing Improvements and Rehabilitation!

The City of Springfield has announced funding for TWO housing rehabilitation programs to assist homeowners recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Healthy Homes Program, and the new Exterior Home Repair Program ! Both programs will be funded through $5 million from the America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) .

This is in addition to the City of Springfield's other housing programs that include:

Emergency Home Repair
Home Heating & Energy Assistance
Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program , a program actively looking for new participants! Applications for this program are available here .

Due to the ARPA funds, The Healthy Homes program will expand to all Springfield Neighborhoods. Read more

Apply online for the Exterior Home Repair Program and Healthy Homes Program

Questions? Contact the Office of Housing at (413)787-6500 or email mvega@springfieldcityhall.com

Listen to our Lead Poisoning Prevention Podcasts!

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 11:28:55 GMT

Podcasts are Available on Spotify and YouTube!

Karlos Reyes is a Community Health Worker (CHW) in Lead Poisoning Prevention in Springfield, Massachusetts. He works closely with children and families affected by lead poisoning, providing education and advocacy to families looking to de-lead their homes and lower their children’s lead levels.

Listen and share his podcast. In honor of National Healthy Homes Month in June, podcasts will be available on both YouTube and Spotify .

Like, follow, and share our Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest episodes!

Lead Abatement Funding Available!

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 11:14:50 GMT

Springfield Residents & Homeowners: Make Your Home Lead-Safe!

The City of Springfield provides funding to reduce lead-based paint hazards for income-eligible households that include a child under six or a pregnant woman. The program is available city-wide for both owner-occupied and rental units.

A licensed lead abatement contractor will perform the lead abatement work, which will result in a Letter of Full De-leading Compliance (LOFDC) for the eligible units. Learn more about the program .

Greater Springfield Housing Study Shows Lack of Affordable Housing

info@wildappledesigngroup.com (Eric Belliveau) — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 22:01:54 GMT

COVID-19 and Affordable Housing in Springfield

The second report of a multi-phase project studying Pioneer Valley housing issues was recently released by the UMass Donahue Institute, Way Finders, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and the Metropolitan Springfield Housing Study Advisory Committee.

The reporting highlights included:

Housing prices were gradually rising before the pandemic, then rose dramatically (for both sales and rentals) during the pandemic due to limited housing stock and low-interest rates.
The COVID-19 pandemic, dramatically worsened economic conditions for low-wage, service and marginal workers primarily through layoffs.
Segregation exists both historically and in the present day in the Pioneer Valley. Housing costs, deficits, and regulations are reinforcing and continuing to perpetuate segregation across area communities.

Read the full report