Fed stimulus funds will expand CAP weatherization program by 400%

[March 25, 2009]  In February, several programs that provide relief to the poor were appropriated significant increases in the economic stimulus package approved by President Obama and Congress. These increases are planned help provide much-needed relief to the thousands who have lost their jobs and millions of low-income and vulnerable people whose conditions continue to get worse in these tough economic times. One of the programs is the weatherization program, and locally it is operated by Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois.

The weatherization program has been coordinated by CAP for the past several decades, but with this increase in funding, the program will be doing more of the same. Much more. In the past, CAP has weatherized 80-90 houses in the counties it serves: DeWitt, Logan, Mason, Menard, Piatt and Fulton. Over the next couple of years, the agency expects a 400 percent increase in that production.

During the weatherization process, experienced assessors and contractors work together to determine the most energy-efficient measures that should be taken in order to save energy in the dwelling. The process also allows for safety inspections and possible replacement of furnaces and water heaters.

"The weatherization program will help create green jobs, stimulate the economy and provide relief for local families through cost savings in their utilities. Across the country that means a move toward independence from foreign oil," said Angela Stoltzenburg, CAP executive director.

The increase in homes will bring with it an increase in applications for assistance and an increase in work for local contractors. The agency is currently working to fill additional positions for administrative staff and to find interested contractors.

[Text from file received from Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois]