Safer Homes Project

A community engagement survey of the area surrounding a Pacoima elementary school revealed that nearly 28% of respondents reported ongoing respiratory problems or asthma. This fact, coupled with the identification of Pacoima by the County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services to be a potential area for high lead levels in homes and lead poisoning in children, led to the development of the safer homes project.

Pacoima Beautiful hired and trained community members to serve as "Promotoras". The Promotoras served as an essential link between Pacoima Beautiful and the community. The Promotoras were trained on many lead related topics, and targeted households most likely to have the highest lead hazards.

The mission of the Safer Homes Program is to help residents to create healthy comes for their families in order to prevent environmentally related health problems such as lead poisoning, asthma, mold, and moisture.

A lead testing protocol was implemented by the Promotoras, and over 300 homes throughout the community have been tested for lead and now are not a threat to the children living in them. Additionally, over 2500 residents have been reached through educational programs and forums at local schools. Five Promotoras have developed a knowledge base that serves as a valuable resource for the whole community. Also, partnerships were formed with university faculty and organizations throughout the community and the region.