Los Angeles County officials joined Long Beach in celebrating the issuance of a $1 million grant to remove lead-based paint at the Carmelitos Public Housing Community.
The grant is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Los Angeles County Development Authority for the complex, located at 1000 E. Via Wanda.
“HUD is committed to protecting families from harmful exposure to lead in and around HUD-assisted housing,” HUD Regional Administrator Christopher Patterson said. “To this end, we are proud to partner with the Los Angeles County Development Authority by deepening HUD’s investment in proven lead remediation solutions. The residents of the Carmelitos Public Housing Community and in public housing across Los Angeles County deserve nothing less.”
The grant was part of HUD’s $28 million commitment to reduce lead-based paint exposure in 38 of its public housing agencies across 25 states, mitigating about 2,800 units.
The funds will help rehabilitate the interior and exterior of units at the Carmelitos Public Housing Community, which officials said will positively affect nearly 200 children younger than 6 who are residents.
“Throughout the years, the LACDA has taken aggressive measures to ensure that its properties are safe for our residents,” said Monique King-Viehland, the LACDA executive director. “The LACDA also plans to couple this grant with the 2019 Capital Fund Program Grant for full kitchen rehabilitations.”
The 713-unit Carmelitos Public Housing Community is owned and operated by LACDA.