U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly pledged to ensure that residents of the West Calumet Housing Complex in East Chicago find new homes quickly and safely.

"I wanted the residents to know that we're going to be on the ground with you, that we're going to listen and we want you to know you're not forgotten," Donnelly said during a visit to East Chicago Friday.

Donnelly, D-Ind., met with Mayor Anthony Copeland and School Superintendent Paige McNulty and toured parts of the West Calumet complex and former U.S.S. Lead site during his visit.

The city has almost 300 families and more than 1,000 residents who have to relocate and start over again, Donnelly said. There's a lot involved to relocating, Donnelly said, and the residents must find a place on their own, fill out an application and have the money available for the move.

The city first learned of the extent of the lead contamination at the site in May, according to a timeline of events provided by East Chicago officials, and decided in June to relocate residents of the West Calumet Housing Complex.

Given the levels of contamination at the site, the city and East Chicago Housing Authority decided to demolish the complex once the residents are relocated.

HUD began releasing relocation vouchers in August and residents can start using them on Sept. 1.

James Cunningham, deputy regional administrator for HUD, told the Post-Tribune the federal agency is working closely with the local housing authority to provide funding and technical assistance for the relocation.

The tenants who have to relocate won't have to pay for most of the moving costs, Cunningham said, and things like security deposits, application fees and packing materials will be covered by HUD.

Donnelly said his job is to see that residents get all the information they need from HUD and the EPA.

"They need to be fully engaged and fully transparent and open," Donnelly said.

Donnelly's visit coincided with the EPA relocating its resident services to the Carrie Gosch School and the opening of a blood lead testing clinic.

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and State Department of Health agreed to provide the city with $200,000 to assist with its relocation and public health efforts. The state and city partnered to offer residents free blood lead testing starting Sept. 2.

Jeni O'Malley, director of the office of public affairs at IDSH, said the clinic will offer blood testing, any follow up tests and analysis at no cost to the residents. The clinics will run from 1-5 p.m. every Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

"We hope as many people as possible will come," O'Malley said, and the clinic will continue for as long as the need exists.

Donnelly said his office is coordinating with officials from HUD and the EPA to see that the relocation and clean up process is as seamless as possible.

"We won't be satisfied until everybody who's looking for a place to stay, and their family, have a place to stay," Donnelly said.

Donnelly said he spoke Tuesday with HUD Secretary Julian Castro to ensure that the federal housing agency provides relocation services for residents of the West Calumet Housing Complex in the safest and least taxing way possible.

The call followed a letter Donnelly and U.S. Rep. Peter Visclosky, D-Merrillville, sent to the EPA and HUD, urging the agencies to devote appropriate resources to working the city to find a solution for the relocation of residents and the West Calumet Housing Complex and the cleanup of the former U.S.S. Lead site.

Donnelly said since the crisis began, he and his staff have been in regular contact with the city's staff and federal officials to discuss the situation.

"I wanted the residents to know that we're going to be on the ground with you, that we're going to listen and we want you to know you're not forgotten," Donnelly said.