Secure Your Home: Weatherization Assistance Programs Offer Aid and Comfort
In Hannibal, Missouri, a wave of warmth is sweeping through the River Bluff Senior Apartments, thanks to the diligent efforts of a weatherization team. On October 26, two homes in this northwest Hannibal community received a full energy efficiency makeover.
Eric Benn, the Weatherization Director, explains the process: “Residents apply through our outreach centers in each county. After an application is submitted, we conduct a thorough home audit—assessing everything from windows to smoke detectors—and then, our computer system helps us determine the best interventions.”
Residents are given a heads-up call a few days before the team arrives to start the work. So far, 16 of the 40 apartments have been upgraded with features like new door stripping, advanced bathroom ventilation systems, and energy-saving LED lightbulbs.
Benn is proud of the program’s impact, noting that it includes comprehensive checks on heating, cooling, and water heating systems, with the state authorizing replacements for any water heater over 13 years old.
The Northeast Community Action Council (NECAC) has been providing these services in Hannibal since mid-summer, tackling 12 to 15 homes monthly, despite a waiting list that stretches over two years. Funded federally since 1973, the Weatherization Assistance Program aims to enhance energy efficiency for low-income households across 12 Missouri counties.
Brent Engel, Public Relations Officer, emphasizes the program’s role in preserving housing for older homes, improving energy efficiency community-wide. The services range from insulation, air sealing, furnace maintenance, and more. Eligibility hinges on household income, with NECAC requiring income verification and, for renters, landlord permission.
Applications are available at local County Service Centers, with NECAC’s website providing comprehensive guidance and contact information for further assistance. For direct inquiries, NECAC can be contacted at 573-324-2251, ready to help more residents join the ranks of those enjoying safer, more energy-efficient homes.
