The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is expanding its lead abatement services to all homes in Benton Harbor. The department says previously, free lead abatement services were available to pre-1978 homes occupied by a child under 19 years of age or a pregnant woman enrolled in Medicaid, or homes occupied by a child under six years of age or a pregnant person whose household income is low to moderate. Thanks to $36 million in supplemental funding approved by the state in December, lead services are now being offered to any housing unit on the Benton Harbor water supply, regardless of the age of the home. There are also no household income requirements. In-home lead services include inspections for lead, and also the removal of lead. Benton Harbor residents can now apply for the help online.
