October 30 is Weatherization Day in Michigan
OKEMOS, Mich., Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- They say the cheapest energy dollar is the one that you never have to spend, so as winter approaches, Michigan Community Action (MCA) reminds homeowners and renters to double-check their furnaces, look for and seal air leaks around doors and windows, and add wall and attic insulation to keep the cold out and the warmth in. Following these and other simple steps will pay off in lower utility bills over the heating season.
But even these simple measures are beyond the reach of many low income residents, who spend between 20-40 percent of household income on heat and electric services compared to the 7-10% spent by more affluent neighbors.
Governor Rick Snyder and the US Congress have proclaimed October 30 as Weatherization Day, in special recognition of the achievements of the federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) that has helped low income American families save millions of dollars in heating costs since the program began in 1977.
The Michigan WAP is administered by the state Department of Human Services and implemented through a network of Community Action Agencies across Michigan. The agencies take applications for the program, determine homeowner eligibility, schedule to have the work done by local contractors, provide education to demonstrate smart use of energy, and follow up with homeowners with other services to improve their economic self-sufficiency.
Some recent outcomes attributed to the WAP in Michigan include a 26% decrease in disconnect notices and a 50% reduction in actual terminations of service. Homeowners also report decreases in illnesses and hunger and increases in comfort and safety.
"Community Action Agencies are proud of our achievements in low income weatherization. As families spend less on their heating bills, they free up money that can be used for other necessities. It gets them closer to the goal of economic self-sufficiency," said Kate White, executive director of Michigan Community Action, the state trade association of the 29 federally designated Community Action Agencies.
About Michigan Community Action
Michigan Community Action is a member service network dedicated to reducing poverty in Michigan by supporting Community Action Agencies in their quest to change the lives of low-income Michiganders. We advocate for our member agencies, working to influence funding for poverty-fighting programs such as early childhood education and financial counseling. We channel resources to every corner of Michigan and empower our member agencies through collaboration and professional development. Michigan Community Action is the statewide voice for Community Action, strengthening member agencies' capacity to alleviate the causes and effects of poverty. Every year, Community Action Agencies improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents. To learn more or give please visit www.MichiganCommunityAction.org.
SOURCE Michigan Community Action
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