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Lead-Safe Wisconsin: The Lead-Safe Homes Program

If you live in a home built before 1978 that has chipping or peeling paint, the Wisconsin Lead-Safe Homes Program (LSHP) may be able to help. This program makes homes safe by removing lead hazards.

This program makes homes safe for kids or pregnant women that are on Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) runs the LSHP in partnership with local and regional community groups that receive grants. To learn more, call 608-267-9191 or email dhsleadsafe@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

Two adults in hazmat suits removing lead paint from a building.
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You may qualify for the LSHP if you’re:

  • Enrolled in Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus.
  • A family with children under 19.
  • Pregnant or have a family member living with you who is pregnant.

Children and pregnant women who “regularly visit” a home (defined as visiting at least three hours a day on two or more days a week, and for at least 60 hours per year) and are eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus may also qualify.

In addition, properties must qualify. To do so, they must:

  • Have been built before 1978.
  • Have either currently paid taxes or be enrolled in a tax payment plan.

If you’d like more information, download this program flyer, P-02729.

Who does the program help?

The LSHP helps:

  • Kids grow up in homes that are lead-safe.
  • Property owners pay for needed fixes to make homes lead-safe.
  • Contractors get trained and certified to bid on lead-safe home projects.
  • Communities improve housing in older neighborhoods.

When a property is approved, what costs are covered by the LSHP?

The LSHP will cover these costs for approved properties:

  • Property assessments, before and after repair work is completed
  • Lead-safe repairs, such as new windows, doors, and paint

Why should I participate in the program?

  • Homeowners—The program covers 100% of the costs to make your home lead-safe.
  • Landlords—The program covers 85-100% of the costs to make your rental properties lead-safe.
  • Renters—There is no cost to you.

*Due to the significant interest in this statewide program, it may take us a few weeks to review your interest form/application and get back to you. Also, please be aware that it may take 12 months or more to start the work on your home, if eligible.

The LSHP has opportunities for lead companies that do lead risk assessment or abatement work. Just complete this interest form. Someone from the program will contact you.

An abatement company must:

  • Be a DHS state-certified lead company in good standing.
  • Have a crew with the appropriate skills and work in a lead-safe manner.
  • Hold current Dwelling Contractor certification issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
  • Provide a one-year craftsmanship warranty on all lead-safe work they perform.

Benefits for abatement companies include a free process for completing an application to perform lead risk assessment or lead abatement work

Which project abatement company costs can be reimbursed?

Abatement companies can be reimbursed for:

  • Training more lead workers.
  • Certifying workers.
  • Supplies used on the job site.
  • Work performed.
  • Extra insurance, such as pollution protection insurance.
  • Mileage if you travel out of the country for work.

Which project investigation company costs can be reimbursed?

Environmental investigation companies can be reimbursed for:

  • Work time, including risk assessments and clearances.
  • Training more workers to complete risk assessments and property clearances.
  • Mileage if you travel out of the country for work.

Kristi Tennie
Program Manager
608-692-8954

Benjamin James
Project Coordinator
608-333-7957

Harold “Harry” Dettinger
Strategic Communications Specialist
608-628-6178

Ashley Miller
Marketing Specialist
608-698-6771

Salena “Sal” Kindschuh
Financial Specialist
608-504-0374

Seung Heon “Sean” Rhee
Grants Specialist
608-709-6243

Brian Higby
Lead Environmental Health Specialist
608-590-3780

Zachary “Zach” Kroening
Environmental Health Specialist, Northeastern Wisconsin
608-698-6387

David Nelson
Environmental Health Specialist, Northwestern Wisconsin
608-335-8787

Ryan Jones
Environmental Health Specialist, Southeastern Wisconsin
608-622-0365

Jordan Blood
Environmental Health Specialist, Southwestern Wisconsin
608-332-0373

Matthew “Matt” Winkler
Housing and Urban Development Program Manager, Southeastern Wisconsin
608-692-5091

Last revised December 15, 2022