For Takarra Smith and her four sons, living in a beautiful, historic home on the South Side of Syracuse came at a price.

"They're plagued with lead paint,” Smith said.

A poisonous substance that Smith hoped wouldn't harm her family.

"I did my due diligence to educate myself to learn about the effects of lead paint and the damages that it cause,” Smith said.

In her neighborhood, many are at risk. More than 26 percent of children tested had elevated lead levels in 2018. Since then, the Central New York Community Foundation is awarding $2 million in grants to help end lead poisoning in the city.

"Since we provided a grant of $150,000 to hHome Headquarters for our doors and windows campaign, 21 units have had those replaced,” said Robyn Smith, the CNY Community Foundation Strategic Initiatives director.

"Windows and doors are considered friction surfaces and if it becomes chipping or peeling and dust comes in the air, it can create lead exposure,” said Katie Bronson, the Home Headquarters Community Housing Initiatives director.

It’s a problem Smith no longer has to worry about.

"The windows are beautiful,” Smith said. “The utility bills are lower and I don't have to worry about the lead paint with my children."

The Foundation also provided funding for 39 contractors and landlords to earn an EPA certification which Smith's landlord plans to take.

"Making sure the home you're renting out to is safe, warm and inviting is very important to me,” said Samuel Rowser. “I wouldn't want my children to grow up in danger and I wouldn't want to put anyone else's children in danger either."

Smith says they feel safe, adding one more healthy, happy home to Syracuse. The CNY Community Foundation also provided a grant to Housing Visions which created 60 new, lead-free, affordable apartments.

The Foundation recently awarded an additional $342,500 in grants, which will continue to focus on replacing windows and doors, training landlords, and creating new rental properties.