The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC) has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to identify, repair, and remove dangerous lead paint in homes across Southeast Iowa.
“SEIRPC has been securing grants to improve homes for decades, but we’ve never had a program focused on removing dangerous lead paint. Now, we finally do”, stated Mike Norris, executive director of SEIRPC. Norris noted that Southeast Iowa has a high number of older homes built before lead-based paint was banned in 1978. “Many families only discover the issue when their children test high for lead exposure. Until now, there hasn’t been a program to help them address the problem quickly and safely.”
Lead-based paint is especially dangerous for young children, who absorb lead more easily and are more likely to ingest dust or paint chips. “When lead paint flakes, peels, or wears down on windows and doors, it turns into dust that spreads throughout the home,” explained Jack Swarm, SEIRPC’s lead paint inspector and risk assessor. “Kids get dust on their hands and toys, and then into their mouths. Or sometimes kids chew on lead paint or eat paint chips because lead has a sweet taste. Lead then quickly enters their bloodstream.”
SEIRPC offers several housing rehabilitation programs in Des Moines, Lee, Louisa, and Henry Counties. In 2024, the organization completed 61 housing improvement projects, spending $2 million on homes. And in 2025, SEIRPC invested $1.2 million to improve 29 area homes.
The new HUD grant will allow SEIRPC to assist 29 homes with young children by covering all costs associated with lead paint hazard reduction — including inspections, repairs or removal, and temporary relocation during the work. Because funding is limited to 29 homes, early applications are encouraged. There are eligibility requirements. If families don’t qualify, SEIPRC can still help by charging affordable fees.
Homeowners may qualify if:
- The home was built before 1978
- A child age 5 or under or a pregnant woman lives in or regularly visits the home
- Income guidelines are met (for example, a family of four must earn less than $77,000)
Landlords may qualify if:
- The home was built before 1978
- They prioritize renting to families with young children
“Grandparents or caretakers may apply as long a child 5 or under visits regularly,” Swarm said. “We are looking forward to helping families make their homes safer.”
To check eligibility or begin an application, call SEIRPC at 319 753 4324.