Housing & Neighborhood Services

10/06/2026

🚨 Lead poisoning can have a lasting impact on a child’s brain and ability to learn.

Even low levels of lead exposure can affect how children think, behave, and perform in school.

📚 How lead can affect learning:

Lower IQ and problem-solving skills

Difficulty with reading and math

Problems with memory and processing information

Trouble following instructions and learning new things

🧠 How lead can affect behavior:

Difficulty paying attention

Hyperactivity and impulsive behavior

Trouble controlling emotions

Increased aggression or classroom disruptions

Over time, serious lead exposure can also increase the risk of falling behind in school, repeating a grade, needing special education services, or dropping out of high school.

Protecting children from lead exposure is an important part of protecting their health, development, and future. 💙

09/29/2026

One of the most common causes of lead poisoning is swallowing or breathing in lead-contaminated dust from deteriorating lead based paint, especially in older homes. The good news is that lead poisoning is 100% preventable. By identifying and addressing sources of lead exposure and taking simple precautions, we can help protect children and families from its harmful effects.

09/23/2026

Now that it's officially fall, add these Halloween programs to your calendar! For our full schedule of Halloween storytimes, movies, crafts, and festivities, visit www.roanokeva.gov/read.🎃📙🧡

09/17/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HfTQkFifN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🚨 IT’S HAPPENING TOMORROW! 🚨

Don’t miss the Community Resource Fair at the Burrell Center on Thursday, September 17, from 12:00–2:00 p.m. Come connect with local organizations, discover valuable services, and enjoy a fun afternoon with your community!

🤝 Meet Medicaid providers and trusted community partners
🩺 Receive free health screenings from Carilion (inside the Burrell Center)
🌭 Enjoy grilled hot dogs, snacks, and water
💙 Learn about BRBH programs, resources, and services
🎁 Pick up helpful information and promotional items

Bring a friend, spread the word, and join us tomorrow! There’s something for everyone and we can’t wait to see you there. Please share this post to help us reach more members of our community! 🎉

09/12/2026

Come out and see us loads of fun for kids and the family! Find out about Lead Safe Roanoke, and our housing repair grant!
Giveaways for men, women, and children, a clothes closet, and free lunch! 29th St NW. 

09/09/2026

We’ve been in the news lately! Come find out what we are all about. All kids deserve a healthy home and we can help!

09/03/2026

🎃 Halloween & Lead Poisoning: What Parents Should Know

Halloween fun can come with hidden lead exposure risks. Parents should be aware of:

🍬 Candy: Avoid candy from unknown or untrusted sources, especially imported products with unclear labeling.

👗 Costumes & accessories: Some inexpensive costume jewelry, masks, and accessories may contain lead. Choose reputable brands and avoid old or damaged items.

💄 Makeup: Use Halloween makeup intended for skin and purchased from a trusted retailer. Avoid old, unlabeled, or counterfeit products.

🧸 Toys & trinkets: Be cautious with small Halloween giveaways and imported toys, particularly older or cheaply made items.

🧼 Good habits: Encourage children to wash their hands before eating and keep makeup, costumes, and accessories away from food.

🧡 When in doubt, throw it out! A little prevention can help keep Halloween safe and spooky—not scary.

08/24/2026

Come out and see us!

Stop by your Belmont Branch Library tomorrow for a super fun storytime with our friends from Housing & Neighborhood Services!

📆 Monday, August 24 | 10:30
📍1101 Morningside Street SE, Roanoke, VA 24013

08/21/2026

Lead Can Be Hiding in Plain Sight ⚠️
Think lead exposure is only a problem in old pipes? Think again.

🏠 At home: Chipping, peeling, or sanding old paint can create toxic lead dust.
🌱 In the soil: Dirt around older homes and busy, older roadways may contain accumulated lead.
💧 In drinking water: Corroded lead pipes, fittings, and old solder can allow lead to leach into tap water.
🌶️ In foods & spices: Some imported candies, ceramics, and brightly colored spices such as turmeric have been found to contain lead.
💄 In traditional products: Certain imported remedies and cosmetics, including azarcon, some Ayurvedic products, kohl, and kajal, may contain lead.
🧸 In toys & jewelry: Older painted items and some inexpensive imported jewelry or trinkets can be sources of exposure.

The takeaway? Lead isn't always visible—but knowing where it can hide is the first step toward protecting your family. 💛

08/20/2026

Welcome home!!