A $1 million federal grant for the removal of lead-based paint was awarded to Westchester County and is earmarked to help make the properties of landlords and homeowners “lead safe.”

Homeowners and landlords of single-family or multi-family homes may be eligible for the grants if the occupant’s household meets the income requirements based on household size. To apply for a Lead Safe Westchester grant or for more information, call 211.

Foreclosures remain a problem nationwide, including in Westchester. If you face the possibility of foreclosure, turn to a specialized organization for information and counseling on how to keep your home. Find out about your rights and about foreclosure rescue scams. Learn more from our FAQs. Learn more about the process from the County Clerk’s Office. Don't wait until it's too late to get help.

Even in good economic times, Westchester for decades has had a shortage of fair and affordable housing. Long-established county policies and programs have enabled the county to promote and facilitate the construction of housing by private developers and non-profit agencies through funding the land acquisition, helping with construction costs and some infrastructure expenses related to the housing development.

These programs have resulted in creation or preservation of fair and affordable housing units, including the construction of workforce housing and housing for seniors. At the same time, the county government has used its resources to promote "green and smart" technologies that are innovative and protect our environment. Other efforts are geared to encouraging local governments to do their part to create and preserve housing.

Recently the county entered into an agreement with the federal government to help build more fair and affordable housing over the next seven years. This agreement will allow the county to take a more active role to ensure the development of that housing.

A county-produced video titled Housing Alive showcases fair and affordable housing throughout the county, and demonstrates how it blends in with and improves our communities. Find out what fair and affordable housing is and if you meet the federal income eligibility standards for it.

Find out about upcoming fair and affordable housing rental units and homeowner units. These properties are new developments with availability for all units coming on-line all at once. The information on the available units will change as the posted developments are fully rented or sold, and new developments posted.

Learn about our many housing programs and other resources to help tenants, landlords, developers and home buyers and owners, as well as people with special needs. Learn more about the laws that protect you from housing discrimination and programs to get rid of dangerous lead paint in your building.

Many of these programs are administered by the county's Planning Department.