| Community Resources, Inc., a poverty program that serves Calhoun and several regional counties is getting a boost with some federal stimulus money for a weatherization program.
CRI will be getting up to $3 million to help homes become more energy efficient.
CRI provides weatherization assistance to the homes of individuals and families that qualify.
Nearly twice the usual number of West Virginia households will benefit this year from the government's weatherization program, which helps insulate, plug leaks and replace heating units in homes.
Last year, 1,389 West Virginia households received home repairs paid for by weatherization funds.
The state is aiming much higher this year with a goal to weatherize 2,756 homes using $37.5 million provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The funding should trickle into the state over the next two years, said Ed Harper, director of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity.
Professionally trained weatherization crews perform on-site home energy audits using state of the art equipment to identify outside drafts and inspect heating and cooling systems for efficiency.
Weatherization crews install insulation, seal off air leaks, make modifications to (or replace) existing heating systems and make minor repairs to ensure safety.
Once installed, these energy saving measures will help to reduce heating and cooling costs for years to come.
For every dollar invested, there is a rate of return in energy savings of $2.72.
The Weatherization Assistance Program prioritizes to the elderly, permanently disabled, and emergency heating situations, however, the program is available to all families that meet the income guidelines.
To seek weatherization services, call:
Calhoun Co. - (304) 354-9265
Doddridge Co. - (304) 873-1833
Gilmer Co. - (304) 462-8698
Jackson Co. - (304) 373-0313
Pleasants Co. - (304) 684-3461
Tyler/Wetzel Co. - (304) 455-2701
Ritchie Co. - (304) 643-2332
Roane Co. - (304) 927-4632
Wirt Co. - (304) 275-4306
Wood Co. - (304) 422-5339
Toll Free - All Counties - 1-866-585-5525
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