About the Windham County Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Capacity Building Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a $1.1 million grant for Windham County to launch the Windham County Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Capacity Building Program. This three-year initiative will enhance community health and safety by expanding the county’s capacity to address lead paint and dust hazards and other housing-related health risks. The program’s longer-term impact is expected to boost local employment opportunities, support workforce development, increase property values, and, most importantly, create safer homes for the community’s children. 

The new program will address the following key initiatives: 

1. Training and Certification for Contractors: Through this grant, free training will be offered to local contractors, housing providers, maintenance staff, and DIY renovators to become certified in essential lead-safe practices. Available certifications include Vermont Renovation, Repair, Painting, and Maintenance (RRPM) and Lead Abatement certifications . Select the Training tab to learn how to sign up for free classes. Link here. 
2. Support for Property Owners and Occupants: The program will build a waiting list of properties in need of assistance and provide resources and guidance to help property owners and tenants identify and reduce lead hazards, creating healthier living environments. Qualifying properties may receive up to an estimated $3,500 for inspections (LIRA) and up to $24,366 per unit in lead hazard reduction funding. Property owners are asked to contribute 10% of project costs as an owner match. Eligibility requirements will be posted on our website as our program evolves. We expect the waiting list to open in late 2026, with lead hazard reduction projects beginning in 2027. 
3. Lead Testing for Ages 1 and 2 Years: The program will encourage lead testing for children ages 1 and 2 and promote lead-safe practices through outreach and education. By partnering with the Vermont Department of Health, this effort will help increase testing rates in Windham County and support statewide lead poisoning prevention goals.  

Directed by Sheriff Mark Anderson through the Windham County Sheriff’s Office, Elisha Underwood will oversee daily operations as Program Manager, with Jessica Perron-Hall managing fiscal reporting and Emily Gibbs coordinating program outreach and applications. 

This initiative aligns with HUD’s mission to protect public health, especially in communities where older housing poses a greater risk of lead exposure. “Thanks to the commitment of several towns who wrote support letters, this program will not only address immediate safety needs but also foster long-term health and economic growth,” Anderson said. One study has shown that the reduction of lead in communities is responsible for reduced homicide and other crimes in the US.¹ Further, another study found that an increase in lead exposure in juvenile males led to an increase in detentions and suspensions.²

For more information about the program and upcoming training opportunities, please contact Elisha Underwood at (802) 212-1548 or eunderwood@windhamcountyvt.gov 

Visit the Vermont Department of Health's website for information on how to avoid lead based paint hazards. 

References:

1. Stretesky, P. B., & Lynch, M. J. (2001). The relationship between lead exposure and homicide. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 155(5), 579–582. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.155.5.579
2. Aizer, A., & Currie, J. (2017). Lead and juvenile delinquency: New evidence from linked birth, school and juvenile detention records (Working Paper No. 23392). National Bureau of Economic Research. https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w23392/w23392.pdf