SOUTH BEND — Two South Bend children have been treated for lead poisoning after being exposed to lead paint inside their home. The family can get money through a federal grant to remove the hazards, but they have to pay for a portion of the award. The family says they don't have the money to cover it. They're turning to the community in hopes of getting the help they need.

The home belongs to Annie Horton.

"I love it. It has so many memories in it," said Horton.

But home is no longer Horton's place of comfort. It's a danger zone.

Health Department Lead Program Coordinator Megan Wright says Horton's home is covered with lead paint. From windows to walls, it's everywhere.

"And it's just because it's an old house and lead paint is what they used then," said Wright.

The lead paint is leaving behind potentially deadly effects. Horton's 19-month-old daughter and 2-year-old niece have been diagnosed with lead poisoning.

"It's very scary," said Horton.

Through a federal grant, Horton can receive $12,000 to fix the home, removing all the lead paint. But there's a catch. She has to pay 15% of the award. And $1,800 is something Horton simply does not have.

"It's the end of the year, bills are piling up. And as far as this family, no one is working at this time, everyone is helping one another out and we try to survive," said Horton.

Without the renovations, Wright fears the children's health will only get worse.

"As long as things are peeling, you can't keep every single thing clean all the time. There's just going to constantly going to be that risk for them to continue to ingest more and more lead," said Wright.

"So, if the community can come together and help us as a family and a community, we can pull together and get something done," said Horton.

Lead poisoning can cause a number of health problems including brain damage and learning disabilities. In extreme cases, seizures and death can occur.

A special account has been set up for Annie Horton and her family. Checks can be made payable to the St. Joseph County Health Department and mailed to:

St. Joseph County Health Department
Attention: Megan Wright
8th Floor County-City Building
227 West Jefferson Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601

For more information contact:
Megan Wright
St. Joseph County Health Department, Lead Program Coordinator
574-235-1803