Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, City Of St. Petersburg | City Of St. Petersburg website
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, City Of St. Petersburg | City Of St. Petersburg website
The City of St. Petersburg has launched the Healthy Homes Initiative, a program focused on raising awareness about household lead exposure risks. The initiative will officially begin with the Healthy Homes Community Coalition Kickoff Meeting on Thursday, January 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Pinellas Technical College.
The coalition, in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg and the Pinellas County Health Department, is community-driven and aims to educate residents about lead hazards in homes. Dr. Avery Slyker, Housing and Community Development Director, emphasized the importance of creating healthy living environments for city residents by stating, "Creating healthy homes is essential for the well-being of our city residents."
The initiative focuses on removing lead hazards from homes in the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), which is significantly affected by household lead issues. Key components include Lead Renovation, Repair, and Paint Certification for contractors and tradespeople to ensure safe practices around lead-based paint.
Additionally, a Lead Reduction Grant Program will be available soon for eligible homeowners in the South St. Petersburg CRA to fund the removal of lead-based paint hazards.
The Healthy Homes Initiative aligns with St. Petersburg's Housing Opportunities For All Plan and Mayor Welch's Housing Opportunities For All Pillar For Progress.
Mayor Welch introduced the Housing Opportunities For All Plan in April 2023 as part of efforts to address rising housing costs and growth in St. Pete. The plan includes support for renters, financial assistance to preserve affordable housing, and incentives to create more affordable units.
Housing affordability remains central to Mayor Welch's agenda under his Housing Opportunities For All Pillar For Progress. It aims to enhance living standards among residents by providing better housing opportunities and encouraging first-time home ownership.
Further information about these initiatives can be found at stpete.org/HealthyHomes.
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