The Weatherization Assistance Program provides no-cost weatherization services to low-income households.
Several programs are in place to help families and home owners finance repairs, upgrade appliances and pay for living expenses. Most of these programs are sponsored by the Federal Government with funding distributed through state governments or local organizations. In addition to resources included below, research funding agencies and programs specific to your state. Does this Spark an idea?
Rural Housing Repair Program
Grants of up to $7,500 are only available to homeowners who are 62 years old or older. These grants are to be used to remove health or safety hazards or remodel dwellings to make them accessible to household members with disabilities. (See reference 1)
To obtain a loan, homeowner-occupants must be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere and must have very low incomes, defined as below 50 percent of the area median income. Only repairs and improvements to make the dwelling more safe and sanitary or to remove health and safety hazards can be funded.
For a complete list of fundable projects and qualification guidelines, see Chapter 12 of the Field Office Handbook: SECTION 504 LOANS AND GRANTS. (See reference 2)
The Weatherization Assistance Program
Check with your water district for showerhead replacement programs.
This program provides no-cost weatherization services to low-income households. Services include attic insulation, energy efficient refrigerators, energy efficient furnaces, weatherstripping, caulking, low-flow showerheads, waterheater blankets, and door and building envelope repairs which reduce air infiltration. Check the Department of Energy web site for program information in your state. (See reference 3)
State Incentives
The Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive listing of state, local, utility and federal rebates, grants and loans to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The web site provides a clickable map of the U.S. Select your state to learn about local loan, rebate, incentive and grants programs. (See reference 4)
Emergency Home Repair Program
Emergency Home Repair Program provides funding for emergency home repairs to low/moderate income homeowners. Funds cannot exceed a lifetime maximum of $20,000. These funds are provided at no cost to assist eligible residents to maintain safe and functional owner-occupied housing.
This program is available through municipal government agencies. Check with the housing authority in your city for information and guidelines for application.
Offers and Rebates
Rebates are available for qualifying clothes washers.
Local governments are partnering with ENERGY STAR to sponsor offers such as sales tax exemptions or credits, or rebates on qualified products. Some are also sponsoring recycling incentives for the proper disposal of old products.
Enter your zip code on the ENERGY STAR Special Offers page to check for offers in your area. (See reference 5)
In Washington State, the Saving Water Partnership offers rebates of up to $100 on the purchase of qualifying clothes washers. Consumers can double-dip and apply for the state's Cash for Appliances rebate for a total of up to $200.00 cash back. Check local conservation organization web sites for similar offers.
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