Small Town News

Group offering weatherization for homes

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A local initiative recently received money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to provide weatherization services for houses in the area.

Mountain Projects received around $1.5 million from the bill to go towards weatherization. According to Patsy Dowling, director of the group, weatherization is something Mountain Projects has been doing for the past 30 years.

"Back when the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed in February, we were told to gear up and that we were going to get a lot of funds especially for weatherization," Dowling said. "There were some delays on the state level, but we are getting the funds for Jackson and HayWood counties. Regardless of how we feel about the stimulus, we're getting it. We're paying for it. We need to bring these resources into the community and help both people and the local economy."

People may think weatherization mainly involves "a nail and a hammer," Dowling said. However, Mountain Projects is working to make homes much more energy efficient to cut down on heating costs for the winter, she said.

"It's a very high-tech program," Dowling said. "We're purchasing major, equipment that will evaluate the energy efficiency of a home. We're getting things like infrared sensors that will see exactly where heat is escaping. We evaluate the home and see what measures can be taken to make it more energy efficient. Those things will help reduce utility costs for people in the community. There's double digit savings on energy bills. People who take part in this program save money and keep their homes warm during the winter."

While Mountain Projects has offered weatherization to lower-income families in the past, Dowling said this year the group will be able to expand its focus.

"With the stimulus money we doubled the guidelines," she said. "We're not just focused on lower-income families. A family of four can make $44,000 and qualify for this program."

To qualify for the weatherization program, a single-person household must have an income of $21,660 or less. Two-person households can make up to $29,140, while three-person households can have an income of $36,620. Five-person households can have an income of $51,580, while six-person households can have an income of $59,060.

Those who may not qualify or want to deal with the required paperwork will also be able to receive aid, Dowling said. Mountain Projects is working with Jackson Neighbors in Need to provide volunteer assistance to people who may not receive aid from the group.

"We will offer something for people who for some reason we can't help or people who don't want to go through the paperwork," she said. "We want to make sure to help as many people as we can. A community work day is set for Oct. 3. If for some reason we can't help someone, we want to make sure they don't get left behind. People are struggling in our communities. It's a tough time. We just want to make sure people have warmth."

Though it is unclear how many homes will receive aid through the program this year, Dowling said Mountain Projects is hoping to accomplish as much as it can.

"In this particular pot, the state lowered it to $4,000 that we can spend per house," she said. "We're taking $1.5 million, minus 10 percent startup costs, and using it to train and hire registered contractors to help us help as many houses as we can. Each home has different average. The stimulus money we received is in addition to the regular allocation we get. We want to continue beyond what we do with the stimulus money.

"We're not going to be adding staff with this money," she said. "We want to use the expertise we already have locally, and we're doing that by using local contractors. The local community colleges want to have a program by the start of October to train people in weatherization. Anyone who wants to learn about that can get on our Web site (www.mountainprojects.org) or contact our office. Local businesses and contractors are encouraged to visit too."

Dowling said she hopes people take advantage of the program this year.

"This is a great program," she said. "Who wouldn't want to reduce their utility bill? It's our tax dollars, so people need to take those resources that are made available. Western North Carolina has not gotten its fair share of stimulus funds, in my opinion. We need to make use of it. If anyone had problems last winter, we want them to contact us."

For more information about the program, call (828) 452-1447, ext. 107.



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© 2009 The Sylva Herald & Ruralite Sylva, North Carolina. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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