Several programs offer grants that support home winterization projects.
Energy costs can be expensive, especially if you live in a region with long, cold winters. Several federal and state government and nonprofit programs offer grants, funding and assistance to homeowners and renters. Winterization and weatherization grants generally fund projects such as adding or replacing insulation, fixing air duct leaks, making sure windows are air tight, and repairing or replacing furnaces. Some programs even offer emergency funding to pay heating and energy bills. Most winterization assistance programs have an income requirement. Does this Spark an idea?
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, offers grants for retrofitting or adding energy-efficient heating systems to multifamily housing units. The "Green Retrofit Program for Multi-Family Housing" offers up to $15,000 per unit to owners of multifamily housing. Eligible projects include the installation of energy-efficient hearing systems. Grant-funded projects must be completed within two years. According to the grant guidelines, projects must work to decrease the cost of utilities, help the environment and improve residents' health. Multifamily homeowners who qualify for HUD assistance, including disabled housing or Section 8 assistance, can apply for grants.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20410
202-402-8368
hud.gov
Arizona Department of Commerce
The Arizona Department of Commerce offers weatherization funding to individuals through the Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program. Owners and renters of single-family homes, multifamily homes and mobile homes who meet income guidelines can apply. According to the Department's website, the program's mission is "reducing the fuel or electricity expense for space heating, space cooling, and water heating for income-eligible households, while improving the health and safety of the dwelling's occupants." Funds can be used for winterization projects such as thermal insulation, air-leak control and reducing air-duct leakage.
Arizona Department of Commerce
1700 W. Washington
Suite 600
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
602-771-1100
azcommerce.com
Oregon State Housing and Community Services
The state of Oregon's Housing and Community Services offers a weatherization assistance program for Oregon residents. To qualify for funds, applicants must be at or below 60 percent of the Oregon median income level. Projects can include wall and ceiling insulation, energy-conserving home repairs, furnace repair or replacement and heating duct improvement.
Oregon Housing and Community Services
725 Summer Street NE
Suite B
Salem OR 97301
503-986-2000
oregon.gov
Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides assistance grants to "to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month's energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance," according to the organization's website. To qualify, applicants' income must be between 60 and 80 percent of Massachusetts' median income levels. Grants award $300. Applications are processed through Salvation Army Service Centers.
Good Neighbor Energy Fund
The Salvation Army
147 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-542-5420
magoodneighbor.org
Tags: Arizona Department, Arizona Department Commerce, Community Services, Department Commerce, Department Housing
