The Enterprise Green Grant Program Expands to Help More Low-Income Homeowners Increase Energy Savings Thru the No Cost Retrofit Program

LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) is now able to provide its one of a kind energy retrofit program to eligible low-income single family homeowners in more than 22 communities within unincorporated areas of the First District. Supported with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina's First District Office and operated by Enterprise, the Green Grants Program has provided energy retrofits on nearly 90 homes in East Los Angeles and has helped homeowners and their families save substantially on utility bills. 

"When I received the first bill, it was so low ... I couldn't believe it," said Hermila B. Gracia, 57, a homeowner whose house was retrofitted with solar photovoltaic panels, attic installation and a tankless water heater.

The program is free to all qualified low-income homeowners who live in and own a single family home within the designated areas. Homeowners must earn less than 80 percent of the area median income, or $67,450 for a family of four. The house also must meet specific structural requirements for the energy saving add-ons. Available retrofit options are solar photovoltaic panels, attic and underfloor insulation, earthquake safety gas shut off valve and/or tankless water heaters.

"I am pleased that our East Los Angeles residents have taken advantage of the Enterprise Green Grant program and adding energy efficiency updates to their homes while contributing to the betterment of the environment," said Supervisor Molina.

For homeowners like Gracia, the retrofits have drastically reduced their utility bills. Savings from the last installation cycle are estimated to eliminate 1,165 tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the 30-year lifetime of the solar panels, which is equivalent to planting more than 3,000 trees.

"Enterprise has a strong commitment to reducing energy dependence and decreasing utility costs for low-income families," said Jeff Schaffer, vice president and Southern California Market Leader, Enterprise. "We're thankful to Supervisor Molina for partnering with us on this Green Grants Program in East LA and look forward to continuing these efforts in this vibrant community."

For more information on the Green Grants Program, visit http://www.EnterpriseCommunity.com/green-grant-program-southern-california; call 213.787.8215 or email [email protected].

Enterprise is a leading provider of the development capital and expertise it takes to create decent, affordable homes and rebuild communities. For 30 years, Enterprise has introduced neighborhood solutions through public-private partnerships with financial institutions, governments, community organizations and others that share our vision. Enterprise has raised and invested more than $11 billion in equity, grants and loans to help build or preserve nearly 300,000 affordable rental and for-sale homes to create vital communities. Visit www.EnterpriseCommunity.org and www.EnterpriseCommunity.com to learn more about Enterprise's efforts to build communities and opportunity.

SOURCE Enterprise Community Partners