Provided by the Bucks County Opportunity Council:
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
For those with low-income, cranking up the heat is not always an option. They are deciding between higher energy bills and putting food on the table.
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To assist those in need, the Bucks County Opportunity Council is offering assistance through its Weatherization Assistance Program, administered by the Pennsylvania State Weatherization Assistance Program, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy. Eligibility is based on income. For example, a single person whose income does not exceed $24,120 is eligible; the income level increases based on the number of people in the household.
The weatherization program provides permanent solutions to reduce the energy burden on low-income families by installing cost-effective, energy-efficient materials and services. It is not uncommon to achieve 30-40% drop in unwanted air flow through the house. Homeowners, renters (with the permission of the owner) and those who live in mobile homes are eligible.
A trained BCOC energy auditor visits the home for inspection and recommends measures such as additional insulation, caulking, weather-stripping or heater repair. These recommendations are carried out by State Trained Contractors at no cost to the client. Related health and safety conditions such as the level of carbon monoxide and heater safety also are assessed. The dollar savings alone makes a big difference for these families. In addition, weatherization makes homes more comfortable: warmer in winter, cooler in summer; and safer all year round.
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Contact the Bucks County Opportunity Council at 215-345-3309 to begin the process. Once the application is approved and income is verified, a home visit will be scheduled to conduct the audit and determine next steps.
In addition to the Weatherization program, the Opportunity Council can assist residents with no heat through the LIHEAP (Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program) Crisis Heater Repair Program, funded by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Residents with no heat should call the Bucks County Assistance Office at 215-781-3393 and can apply at www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/heatingassistanceliheap/ to be approved for LIHEAP prior to receiving assistance.
