Weatherization grants cover the costs of replacing windows.
One of the ways to help homeowners lower their energy bills is to weatherize their homes. To help cover the costs of these projects, several federal agencies sponsor grants to weatherize homes owned by low-income individuals. Grants are also available to public housing authorities to cover weatherization projects in units occupied by low-income families.
Public Housing Capital Fund
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, sponsors the Public Housing Capital Fund. This program provides grants to public housing authorities to develop and modernize housing units that house low-income families. Funds are also used to make managerial improvements. PHAs cannot use grants for luxury improvements to the housing units.
Weatherization Grants
The Department of Energy provides grants to cover weatherization projects in homes owned by low-income families. These grants pay for such weatherization services as adding weather stripping to doors, replacing windows, replacing electrical, heating and cooling systems, and insulating walls. These services are done free of charge to the homeowners; the average cost of weatherizing homes is $6,500.
Low Income Home Energy Efficient Grants
Another grant program is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program, sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS. The program provides financial assistance to cover the costs of weatherizing residential homes. Up to 25 percent of the funds is allocated for these weatherization projects. The HHS distributes grants to state and local government agencies, as well as to nonprofit organizations.
Housing Preservation Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds a grant program for low-income homeowners to cover the costs of weatherizing and other home improvement projects. Grants are also available to landlords and co-op members whose units are occupied by low-income families. Those who want to apply for Housing Preservation grants must reside in communities of fewer than 20,000 residents. Grant sponsors include nonprofit organizations and state, local and tribal government agencies. The grant program requires recipients to use funds within 24 months.
Tags: cover costs, low-income families, grant program, weatherization projects, also available
