CHILDREN’S ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT

Through the Healthy Families Network, the Family Housing Fund and the Provider Group hope to realize the vision of healthy community environments that support the developmental needs of homeless and formerly homeless children. The goal of this Healthy Families Network initiative is to create safe physical environments in supportive housing settings for very young children and all family members. We expect that implementation of our plan will lead to the following outcomes for young children in supportive housing:

• Reduced exposure to hazardous chemicals and cleaning product.
• Reduced exposure to toxic pesticides.
• Reduced exposure to asthma triggers, such as molds, tobacco smoke, dust mites and cockroaches, and volatile organic compounds.
• Reduced risk of injury in housing units, common areas, and playgrounds.

Three Provider Group members have been selected to serve as pilot agencies. They are Emma’s Place, Wayside, and the YWCA of St. Paul. These three agencies represent six supportive housing sites – Emma’s Place; Incarnation House and Jersey Avenue (Wayside); and Lexington, Grotto, and Oxford (YWCA). These sites are representative of the west and east metro and urban and suburban locations.

We have conducted comprehensive environmental surveys with staff and residents of these supportive housing sites. These surveys have included interviews and inspections concerning household and laundry practices and products, usage and storage; approach to pest control; products used for cooking and eating; approach to childproofing; maintenance practices; disposal of hazardous waste; and maintenance of landscapes and outdoor areas. With the assistance of residents, we recorded actual products that were used. Radon tests were conducted in the lowest levels livable or used spaces. Soil samples for lead analysis were taken from areas in and around children’s playgrounds.

Currently, we are compiling detailed reports of the findings of the environmental surveys. These reports will include specific information on harmful chemicals in household and personal care products. Preliminary reports have been given to the organizations, including the results of radon and lead tests. Final reports will include specific ‘next steps’ with recommendations for creating healthier environments.

Another ‘next step’ is to hold resident sessions to present our findings, particularly concerning household and personal care products. We will be encouraging residents to aid us in investigating alternative products and determining how well they work, personal preferences, and cost effectiveness.