Finding safe, lead-free housing in Syracuse was an issue before COVID-19 caused a global upheaval. But now, during a pandemic that has led to financial strain across our community, the risk of childhood lead poisoning is amplified. New York State and the nation are currently in an eviction moratorium, which means that tenants who have experienced hardship due to the
Read more
January 28, 2020 – The Central New York Community Foundation announced today that it endorses proposed legislation put forth by the Syracuse Common Council to make the presence of lead a housing code violation during interior housing inspections. This is the first local policy endorsement of its kind from the region’s largest charitable foundation. “The Community Foundation has been an
Read more
The topic of lead poisoning has recently burst back into the scene in Central New York due to high-profile publicity and community action; however, it has been an ongoing issue in this region, and across New York State, for decades. Recently, we have seen a steady march forward toward progress, both in terms of increased resources devoted to the issue
Read more
First Grants Showing Noticeable Outcomes, One Year In October 17, 2019 – The Central New York Community Foundation has awarded its second round of LeadSafeCNY grants, totaling $342,500, to help address childhood lead poisoning in Syracuse. In its first year, the initiative resulted in the installation of lead-free windows and doors in 27 Syracuse housing units; 60 income-eligible residents moved into new, affordable, lead-free
Read more
Syracuse’s aging housing stock, of which a high proportion is privately-owned rental units, is still poisoning children with lead, nearly 40 years after lead paint was banned. That is because deferred maintenance on low-income rental properties has led to chipping, flaking and peeling paint that can be accidentally ingested or inhaled by dust. The responsibility of keeping these homes safe
Read more
October 24, 2018 (Syracuse, NY) – The Central New York Community Foundation announced today that it will be investing more than $2 million over four years to help end childhood lead poisoning in Syracuse. Its new LeadSafeCNY initiative will fund a variety of approaches to address the region’s alarming childhood lead poisoning rates. According to the Onondaga County Health Department,
Read more