City of Joplin accepting applications for Lead Hazard Reduction Program

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin is now accepting applications for a new Lead Hazard Reduction Program, known as “Lead Safe Joplin”, which is designed to help eligible owner-applicants identify and control lead-based paint hazards in qualifying homes within Joplin city limits.

The City of Joplin is launching the program in partnership with Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area (ESC), which is administering the program, to reduce lead-based paint hazards in homes and improve health outcomes for families throughout the community.

Qualifying homeowners should apply now, with lead hazard control work anticipated to begin in late Summer 2026 following application review, lead inspections, contractor procurement, and final project planning.

Protecting Families and Strengthening Neighborhoods

Lead exposure is entirely preventable, and this program will make a direct, meaningful difference for families across Joplin. By partnering with the Economic Security Corporation, the program can reach more households, remove more hazards, and ensure safer, healthier homes for residents. 

What the Program Offers

Eligible homeowners may receive FREE services including:Lead-based paint inspections and risk assessments

Paint stabilization and hazard removal

Soil remediation where needed

Clearance testing upon project completion

Temporary relocation assistance, if required during construction

Free lead testing for children under 6 at the Jasper County Health Department

All services are performed by licensed lead professionals under strict HUD and EPA guidelines.

The Program Is Open To:

Owner-occupied homes built before 1978 in the city limits of Joplin

Households with children under six or pregnant residents receive priority

Income guidelines and property eligibility requirements apply.

Who Should Apply

A household may be a strong candidate when the applicant owns and lives in a single-family home within Joplin city limits, the household meets current income requirements, and a child under 6 or a pregnant person lives in or spends significant time in the home. Final eligibility depends on current program policy, household and property review, inspection findings, program priorities, available funding and required approvals.

How To Apply

Residents can begin the application process immediately by:Complete the online application at: 

https://www.joplinmo.org/1290/20254/Lead-Safe-Joplin
Or get a paper application at:The 4th floor of Joplin City Hall (602 S. Main St.)
The Economic Security Corporation main office (302 S. Joplin Ave.)

Or contact Program Coordinator, Loni Smith, at:Email: lsmith1@joplinmo.org

Seeking Lead-Certified Contractors

The City is also seeking qualified contractors and firms certified in lead remediation work. Contractors must be both an EPA-certified lead remediator and Missouri DHSS certified.

Links to training and certification programs are available on the program website: https://www.joplinmo.org/1290/20254/Lead-Safe-Joplin

Lead-Safe Steps Residents Can Take Now
Many homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Deteriorated paint, friction surfaces such as windows and doors and renovation that disturbs lead-based paint can create lead dust. Young children and pregnant people are especially vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure.Keep painted surfaces in good condition and address peeling, chipping or cracking paint promptly.

Use damp or wet cleaning methods to control dust on floors, windowsills or other horizontal surfaces.
Wash children’s hands and toys often, especially before meals.

Do not dry sand, or scrape suspected lead-based paint.

Before performing work that may disturb paint, in pre-1978 housing, use a properly qualified firm and confirm which EPA lead safe requirements apply.

Ask a healthcare provider or Jasper County Health Department about blood lead testing.

A Major Investment in Community Health

The program is funded by a $3.15 million dollar Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration grant awarded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, together with a $350,000 City match, for a total program budget of $3.5 million. The program will provide no‑cost lead inspections, risk assessments, and lead hazard control work for qualifying homes and families, prioritizing households with children under six or pregnant residents, who face the greatest risk of lead exposure.

Troy Bolander, Director of Planning & Development for the City of Joplin, said, “This program is a major step in ensuring homes in Joplin are safe and healthy. Removing lead hazards not only protects children today but prevents long-term developmental and health impacts. This $3.5 million dollar program means we can provide FREE services up to $75,000 to about 85 low-income families and improve the quality of our housing stock.”

Loni Smith, Project Coordinator for the City of Joplin Community Development Division, said, “This program is going to help reduce lead poisoning in our community. It’s really the last and most tedious part of a long story of lead remediation for Joplin. This grant allows us to go house by house, making them lead-safe; minimizing the danger for kids who are most susceptible to lead paint and soil contamination. The City is excited to partner with ESC to administer the program and we encourage residents in homes built before 1978 to apply for this assistance.”

Curtis Scott, Program Manager with ESC said, “Safe housing is foundational to family well-being. Economic Security Corporation is honored to collaborate with the City of Joplin and other community partners through the lead hazard reduction program to protect children, improve housing conditions, and build healthier neighborhoods.”