Alabama Awards $4.4 Million to Weatherize Homes for Elderly and Low-Income Residents

Governor Ivey Announces $4.4 Million in Weatherization Grants

In April 2023, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that the state had awarded $4.4 million in grants to local agencies to help weatherize homes for low-income, elderly, and disabled residents. The funding was administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) through its Weatherization Assistance Program, which draws on federal dollars from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The $4.4 million round was distributed to 13 community action agencies and nonprofits that operate the program at the local level — the same agencies where eligible homeowners and renters apply for assistance.

Who the Program Serves

The Alabama Weatherization Assistance Program gives priority to households that include:

• People with disabilities.
• Elderly residents.
• Low-income families with children.

Both homeowners and renters can qualify, though renters must have their landlord's consent to receive certain types of work.

How the Work Gets Done

Each approved home is scheduled for a professional energy audit. Certified auditors use diagnostic tools — blower doors, infrared cameras, combustion safety testers — to determine which upgrades will deliver the best savings and safety improvements for that specific home. Common measures include:

• Adding insulation to attics, walls, and floors.
• Sealing air leaks around doors, windows, plumbing penetrations, and electrical outlets.
• Tuning up or replacing aging heating and cooling equipment.
• Repairing or replacing ductwork.
• Swapping incandescent bulbs for LEDs.
• Testing and addressing carbon monoxide risks from combustion appliances.

The program's dual goals are to lower monthly energy bills and reduce fire, indoor air quality, and combustion safety hazards.

Why Weatherization Matters in Alabama

Alabama's hot, humid summers and occasional cold snaps mean residents often face high HVAC loads year-round. Low-income households typically spend a far greater share of their income on utilities than higher-income households, a gap known as the energy burden. Weatherization has been shown to reduce that burden while also extending the life of heating and cooling equipment.

For elderly Alabamians living on fixed incomes, a well-weatherized home can be the difference between being able to afford utilities year-round and being forced to choose between cooling bills and medications or food.

Who Provides the Services

ADECA funnels the federal weatherization funds to a network of community action agencies and nonprofits across Alabama. Homeowners who believe they qualify should contact their regional community action partnership to apply. Applicants typically need to provide proof of income, homeownership or landlord approval, utility bills, and household size.

Ongoing Funding

Alabama's weatherization program is an annual, federally funded initiative — the $4.4 million announced in April 2023 was part of a recurring pipeline. Later in 2023, ADECA announced an additional round of more than $8 million, reflecting expanded federal support for weatherization under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

How to Apply

Alabama homeowners and renters who want to apply for weatherization assistance can:

• Visit ADECA's Weatherization Assistance Program website for a list of participating local agencies.
• Contact their nearest community action agency for an application.
• Gather required documents in advance (income verification, proof of residence, utility bills).

Wait times can be long because demand routinely exceeds available funding. Applicants are encouraged to apply early and update their contact information if their situation changes while they are on the wait list.