The Union County Housing Authority will receive a million dollars in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to reduce lead-based paint hazards.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead-based paint hazards, such as dust containing lead and chips from deteriorated lead-based paint, are the most common source of lead exposure for U.S. children.
In May, Illinois U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth reintroduced the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act, which would require HUD to update its lead poisoning prevention measures to reflect modern science and ensure families and children living in federally-assisted housing are protected from the devastating consequences of lead poisoning.
Meanshile, the Illinois Housing Development Authority is offering a new grant program to help homebuyers pay for closing costs.
Closing costs can quickly add up...which is why spokesperson Andrew Field says the authority is making these grants available to people hoping to purchase a home.
The program provides either $1,500 or $2,500 grants, depending on household income, to be used toward closing costs. The money can be used on top of other home buying assistance programs, allowing homebuyers to receive anywhere from $8,500 to $12,500 in assistance when purchasing a home.
