Healthy Homes Program

Healthy Homes is a federally-funded, national program. In Lancaster County, it is administered by the Lead-Free Families staff at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. The goal of the program is to curb the impact of health issues caused or worsened by hazards in the home—leading to healthier families and communities.

We are the first health system in the nation to be awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to administer a Healthy Homes Program. This show of confidence highlights our strong commitment to advancing the health and well-being of those we serve.

Informational Flyers:

• Healthy Homes Promotional Flyer
• 29 Points of a Healthy Home

What does the Healthy Homes Program do?

Our program offers the following services across Lancaster County:

• Educational materials about home health and safety hazards such as:
  • Mold & Moisture
  • Radon Gas
  • Burns & Scalds
  • Fall Risks
  • Household Pests
  • Structural Issues
  • Plumbing Issues
  • Entry by Intruders

• Home health and safety hazards assessment conducted by a trained Healthy Homes Specialist
• Up to $7,000 in FREE funds to help address your home’s health and safety hazards with the support of licensed contractors

Why focus on home-based health and safety hazards?

The Healthy Homes Program seeks to lessen the cost-barrier to safe and healthy housing for low to moderate income families. We help provide families with access to support and funding so they can have a safer and healthier home.

Healthy homes in our neighborhoods means healthy families in our communities. We are focused on removing health and safety hazards from homes to improve community health. Some common issues we address include:

• Mold and moisture prevention
• Childhood injuries such as falls between levels in the home
• Scalds and burns
• Radon gas exposure

Reducing these hazards can result in people spending less time and money at the doctor’s office or emergency room and leading healthier lives.

How do I know if I am eligible for the Healthy Homes Program?

To be eligible for the Healthy Homes Program, the following criteria must be met:

• You must own your home and it must be within Lancaster County
• Your home was built after 1978
  • If your home was built before 1978, your family may still qualify. Please contact us to learn more.
• Your household income must fall at or below 80% of the area median income
  • Household of 1 person: Income below $53,500
  • Household of 2 persons: Income below $61,150
  • Household of 3 persons: Income below $68,800
  • Household of 4 persons: Income below $76,400
  • Household of 5 persons: Income below $82,550
  • Household of 6 persons: Income below $88,650
  • Household of 7 persons: Income below $94,750
  • Household of 8 persons: Income below $100,850

How do I start the process to find out if my family is being exposed to health and safety hazards in our home?

The first step is to apply for the Healthy Homes Program. Please complete our application form or contact our team at 717-544-LEAD (5323) or info@leadfreefamilies.org to learn more.

Once eligibility has been established and all paperwork and necessary documentation is returned, our Healthy Homes Specialist will conduct an onsite home health and safety hazards assessment. Your home’s health and safety hazards will be prioritized based on available funding. All work is completed by licensed contractors.