HOUSTON – Officials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development say they have awarded 26 state and government agencies with more than $125 million in an effort to protect children and families from lead-based paint and additional hazards within their homes.

According to information released by HUD, the city of Houston will receive $8,000,000 for the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program and $700,000 for the Healthy Homes Supplemental funding.

Through these grants, officials will be using resources to discover and clean up dangerous lead for low-income families living in older homes, HUD says.

“These investments will protect families and children by targeting significant lead and health hazards in over 4,000 low-income homes for which other resources are not available,” officials said in a news release.

HUD’s Secretary Marcia Fudge said, “Today, we are extending our efforts to improve the health and safety of children and other members of families with low incomes. The funding provided today will help these families – especially their children – to be healthier and to improve their attendance and experiences in school and work over the coming decades.”