Paterson Alliance has been awarded a $2 Million grant from the NJ Lead Remediation and Abatement Program (LRAP). LRAP is funded by a $180 Million federal grant aimed at addressing the health risks related to lead-based paint. The proceeds from the grant will be used to provide lead remediation and abatement services to eligible low -to moderate-income households in the city of Paterson. The focus of program will be on households with children under six years old and /or pregnant women.

The dangers of lead-based paint in buildings and households have been known for decades. Lead exposure has been proven to be especially toxic for children. Lead toxicity and poisoning can lead to serious and potentially permanent health issues for both children and adults. These issues include brain damage, kidney/liver damage, infertility, nervous system damage and seizures.

In October 2023, Paterson Alliance joined Lead-Free NJ as the Passaic County Community Hub. The objective of the Community Hub is to increase awareness about lead issues and to reduce community members’ exposure to lead and the resulting detrimental health impacts. The grant will allow us and our partners to accelerate our efforts to get the “lead out” of Paterson by providing free lead remediation and abatement services to eligible clients.

“The LRAP grant will give Paterson Alliance enhanced opportunities to collaborate with many of our members” states Richard Williams, Board President “the work to remediate lead and to improve the lives of children and families is a universal mission for our members and the nonprofit community as a whole.”