Western Egyptian
Economic Opportunity Council
|
Serving the Community Since 1965 |
Weatherization
WHAT IS THE WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM?
- The Weatherization Program is this country’s longest running, and perhaps the most successful energy efficiency program. It enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 31%. By reducing the energy bills of low-income families instead of offering aid, weatherization reduces dependency and liberates these funds for spending on more pressing family issues. This spending, in turn, spurs low-income communities toward job growth and economic development.
- Western Egyptian’s Weatherization Program is funded through the Department of Energy, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the State utility deregulation money. These funds are administered through the Illinois Department of Public Aid, Office of Energy Assistance. Western Egyptian serves Randolph, Perry, Jackson, and Monroe counties with these funds.
WHAT TYPE OF WORK IS PERFORMED:
- The type of work the weatherization program performs on a home varies according to its needs and is limited by government regulation.
- All work is energy related. Work does not include structural repair or home enhancement such as new roofing, siding, or other similar work.
- Energy repairs may include insulating attics and walls, air sealing, repair or replacement of the heating system and window and door repair or replacement.
- The average expenditure per home for energy repairs is $4000.00
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- One of the primary factors affecting eligibility is income. Income eligibility is based on annual income from all sources for all members of the household and must be less or equal to 150% of poverty level.
- Persons receiving TANF, Supplemental Security Income, or Aid to the Aged or Blind or Disabled are categorically income eligible.
- Must submit all requested documentation such as proof of income, social security numbers, proof of ownership from client or landlord.
- Must live in Randolph, Perry, Jackson, and Monroe Counties.
- This program provides services for owner occupied and rental houses, mobile homes and apartments.
THE WORK PROCESS:
*Once an application has been taken, it will be verified and eligibility will be determined. If eligible, the application will be inputted onto the State’s computer system and it will be given a priority number based on information submitted. Work will be scheduled according to the priority number, serving the highest number first and working down till funds are depleted.
* A professional energy consultant will go to the home and perform a energy analysis. He will test the infiltration of outside air with a blower door, inspect equipment for health and safety and list the most cost-effective energy conservation measures for the home.
* A work order will be generated by the State’s computer system and will then be assigned to pre-qualified program contractors.
* Throughout the weatherization process, the health and safety of the family and home remain a priority. Following completion of the work, an inspector will return to make certain that everything is working properly and all the work performed meets Federal and State standards.
CONTACT:
WEEOC WEATHERIZATION WAREHOUSE
1130 N. SPARTA STREET
STEELEVILLE, IL 62288
618/965-9733
email: weatherization@weeoc.org
