Lead Services

Housing Resource Commission of RI and the West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation are pleased to announce the start of Rhode Island’s CLEARCorps, /Providence, an AmeriCorps program and a member of the CLEARCorps/USA network of community based programs working to protect children from lead poisoning. Other AmeriCorps programs currently operating in Providence include City Year, Jumpstart, Youth Build and the Community Health Corps.

CLEARCorps uses a family centered approach to bring communities, families and property owners together as partners working to prevent childhood lead poisoning. CLEARCorps has affiliates and offices in ten states stretching from the east to the west coasts.

Since 2000, CLEARCorps affiliates and staff have

Educated over 123,000 community members on the causes, effects and prevention of childhood lead poisoning;
Evaluated and conducted lead hazard control work in more than 1650 homes;
Reduced lead poisoning risk for more than 2,100 children; and
Made over 354 yards and gardens safer by reducing lead hazards in the soil.

In addition to helping families and property owners, they have trained over 180 corps members to educate their community about lead poisoning, and conduct the hands on work to make homes safe for children.

The City of Providence collaborated with CLEARCorps/USA through the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to start the Providence affiliate in 2005. West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation is implementing and running the program. Now in 2007 RI Housing Resource Commission is partnering with the CLEAR Corps site to expand available services in the Capitol City and extend its services and community based approach to neighborhoods throughout the state of RI.

The focus of the program is to help RI homeowners stay in compliance with RI lead paint laws. This consists of repairing damaged painted surfaces, eliminating friction surface areas and removing lead contaminated dust from the units. Trained CLEAR Corps (AmeriCorps) members will do the work using lead safe work practices. To ensure the safety of the unit’s occupants, tenants will not be at home while the work is done. However, owners and maintenance staff are encouraged to be present so they can receive information about safe ongoing maintenance and practices and preparation for the clearance inspection process including information they can refer to for future lead related services.

This HRC/CLEAR Corps program is good for the Rhode Island because it provides property owners and tenants with knowledge and technical assistance to take responsibility for the health and safety of their families and community. Much responsibility for the reduction and control of lead paint has fallen on property owners. We make it easier and the services are free!

CLEARCorps is an exciting endeavor. Every one wins!

Children get to grow up in healthier homes.
Health and medical providers have fewer cases of lead poisoned children.
Landlords get help keeping their property up to code.
Government and enforcement agencies have fewer units out of code to track.
Renters can raise their families in lead safe homes.
Individuals from within the city receive job training and certificates in lead hazard reduction and inspection.

For more information call

401- 228- 6066