Financial Assistance of $4.4M Granted by Governor Ivey to Weatherize Homes for Elderly and Low-Income Individuals

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) have announced a significant grant of $4.4 million aimed at assisting low-income and elderly residents in weatherizing their homes. The grants will support Alabama’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which focuses on improving energy efficiency and safety in qualifying homes, with a priority given to households with disabilities, elderly individuals, and low-income families with children.

Governor Ivey emphasized the importance of these grants, noting that many low-income Alabama residents struggle with high utility bills and could benefit from more energy-efficient homes. The weatherization grants aim to protect homes from extreme temperatures, thereby reducing energy costs for residents.

Thirteen community agencies across the state will receive grant awards, with Organized Community Action Program Inc. being awarded $528,009 to serve several counties, including Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Barbour, Covington, Pike, Bullock, Butler, Crenshaw, and Lowndes. Other agencies receiving grants include Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, Community Action Committee Inc. of Chambers-Tallapoosa-Coosa, Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc., Community Action Partnership of Huntsville-Madison and Limestone Counties Inc., Mobile Community Action Inc., Montgomery County Commission, Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc., Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc., Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc., Community Action Agency of South Alabama, Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun and Cleburne, and Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc.

ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell expressed his support for Governor Ivey’s efforts in assisting Alabama’s most vulnerable residents through the Weatherization Assistance Program. The partnerships with these community agencies will ensure that underserved residents receive the necessary help to prepare their homes for extreme weather conditions, benefiting them now and in the future.

Each qualifying home will undergo an energy audit to identify the most cost-efficient measures and improvements that can be made. These may include extra insulation, sealing air leaks, repairs and tune-ups for heating and cooling systems, and the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives. These improvements aim to reduce energy bills and mitigate fire and other hazards.

The ADECA grants are made possible through funds provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information about the grants and contact details for the state agencies involved, you can refer to the full release and access ADECA’s website.