$8.5 Million Grants Awarded to Local Bodies for Weatherizing Homes of Elderly and Low-Income Residents
In Montgomery, Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey recently confirmed the allocation of grants amounting to $8.5 million, intended to assist low-income and elderly residents of Alabama in weatherproofing their homes, thereby lowering energy costs and improving living conditions.
The significant funding is a considerable boost for Alabama’s Weatherization Assistance Program, a state initiative that furnishes funds to augment the energy efficiency and safety of eligible homes. The program places particular emphasis on supporting people with disabilities, elderly individuals, and low-income households that include children.
“During the sweltering summer months in Alabama, elderly, disabled, and low-income residents relying on fixed incomes often face challenges in paying their utility bills to maintain comfortable living conditions,” stated Gov. Ivey. “The allocation of these grants will facilitate home improvements that reduce energy bills for eligible residents.”
Eligible homes undergo an energy audit to identify the most cost-effective enhancements. Typical adjustments involve the installation of extra insulation in attics, walls, and floors, sealing air leaks around windows and doors, conducting repairs or tune-ups on air conditioning and heating units, and replacing old incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency alternatives. Beyond reducing energy bills, these modifications can also minimize risks of fire and other safety hazards.
The grant funds have been dispersed among 13 community agencies throughout the state. These agencies administer the program locally and handle applications from individuals seeking assistance. This grant allocation follows a previous one in which $4.4 million was awarded for weatherization efforts earlier in the year.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) manages these grants, using funds provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Energy.
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell expressed support for the initiative, stating, “In partnership with Gov. Ivey, ADECA is committed to supporting those most in need through the Weatherization Assistance Program. The collaborations with these community agencies ensure many underserved residents receive help in preparing their homes for the peak of summer heat both now and in the future.”
The announcement included a detailed breakdown of the grant funding for each recipient agency, highlighting the counties each agency serves and providing contact telephone numbers. These agencies, including those serving Autauga, Elmore, Chilton, or Montgomery counties, received various funding amounts ranging from $180,252 to $2,009,630 and will use these funds to assist eligible residents in their respective counties.
