The city of East Orange will be getting nearly $5 million to help protect families from lead paint and other home health and safety hazards.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded nearly $140 million to 36 state and local agencies in 19 states to help with the hazards.

East Orange will get more than $4.5 million as funding for a Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program and $300,000 for funding for the Healthy Homes Supplemental Program.

"Lead poisoning can forever hinder a child's health and ability to learn. HUD remains dedicated to providing federal funding that ensures HUD-assisted homes are safe," Alicka Ampry-Samuel, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey wrote in a statement. "These resources go to families that may not otherwise be able to do the work themselves, and HUD is proud to assist these residents in need."

The funding will address lead hazards in 40 housing units that will help provide safer homes for low-income families with children.

HUD officials say East Orange will work with medical and social service providers to address the issues.