A commission in Luzerne County helping to weatherize homes is getting a big boost from the federal government.
The money will help low-income families stay warm during the winter.
After cutting the ribbon on their new warehouse in Kingston, the wheels were in motion for a weatherization effort in Luzerne County through the Commission on Economic Opportunity.
"Using this facility we're going to be storing products that will go into the houses of over 1,000 people over the next 18 months," said executive director Gene Brady.
The commission has been weatherizing low-income homes for years, but with federal money on the way, they needed more space for the supplies.
Thanks to the federal recovery act, folks who used to receive up to $2,500 now can receive $5,500 through the commission. The money will go towards insulating their homes.
To qualify, families must meet income guidelines.
For example, a household of two must make less then around $30,000.
If you qualify, the commission runs an inspection of your home and decides how that money can be best put to use.
"To better insulate, to improve their furnace and to maybe replace their fridge," explained Brady.
The commission also provides a room-by-room air compression check to determine where energy leaks may exist in insulation.
They even can install solar panels on homes that qualify.
State Representative Phyllis Mundy was on hand for the opening and said with winter fast approaching, now is the time to act.
"Whatever we can do to cut their energy costs obviously makes all the money available go further," Mundy said.
The commission is currently taking applications. To find out more about the program you can call 570-826-0510.
The money will help low-income families stay warm during the winter.
After cutting the ribbon on their new warehouse in Kingston, the wheels were in motion for a weatherization effort in Luzerne County through the Commission on Economic Opportunity.
"Using this facility we're going to be storing products that will go into the houses of over 1,000 people over the next 18 months," said executive director Gene Brady.
The commission has been weatherizing low-income homes for years, but with federal money on the way, they needed more space for the supplies.
Thanks to the federal recovery act, folks who used to receive up to $2,500 now can receive $5,500 through the commission. The money will go towards insulating their homes.
To qualify, families must meet income guidelines.
For example, a household of two must make less then around $30,000.
If you qualify, the commission runs an inspection of your home and decides how that money can be best put to use.
"To better insulate, to improve their furnace and to maybe replace their fridge," explained Brady.
The commission also provides a room-by-room air compression check to determine where energy leaks may exist in insulation.
They even can install solar panels on homes that qualify.
State Representative Phyllis Mundy was on hand for the opening and said with winter fast approaching, now is the time to act.
"Whatever we can do to cut their energy costs obviously makes all the money available go further," Mundy said.
The commission is currently taking applications. To find out more about the program you can call 570-826-0510.
