The City of Benton Harbor Community Health and Environmental Resource Fair is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Virginia Edwards Community Center, 721 Nate Wells Sr. Drive, from 4 to 6 p.m. Families will be able to get information about services and resources available to City of Benton Harbor residents to help reduce or eliminate lead from their homes.
Resources will include:
- Free home lead inspection sign-up.
- Filters and filter installation demonstrations.
- Home water testing kits.
- Free bottled water.
“I am so excited. I cannot believe the things that I am receiving for my home,” said Barbara Shaw, City of Benton Harbor resident. “My house was probably built 100 years ago, and I have been living in it for many, many decades. I didn’t know that lead could be throughout my house, but now I do.
“To my neighbors and community, please let them check to see if you have lead in your homes, especially the older homes. The process started last year, and the state put us up in a hotel until they fixed some of the repairs needed. The new windows make my home look brand new. I cannot wait to see the inside. I am so glad I took the necessary steps and applied to have the inside of my home inspected for lead. I am proof that the system works. This is one of the best things I have done. When my grandchildren come to visit, they too will be safe.”
Free water filters will be available at the event. Filter use is recommended until the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirms the source of lead in a home’s plumbing has been fixed, removed or replaced as part of the free home lead inspection process.
The event will include information and representatives from local community organizations, the City of Benton Harbor, Berrien County Health Department, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
