Free Home Weatherization Available for LV Residents

With the added costs of home heating in the colder months, many local residents struggle to pay the bills during the winter. But whether you live in a house, apartment or mobile home, help may be available in the form of free home weatherization courtesy of a program administered by the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV).

This program, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (also known as the “Stimulus Act”), helps lower energy costs by making residences more energy efficient.

All services are provided at no cost to the resident and/or property owner.

Available to both renters and homeowners that meet income guidelines, a trained inspector performs an energy audit on the home. A certified weather contractor will then be engaged to perform the recommended work.

Typical improvements include attic, roof or floor insulation, window and door caulking and weather-stripping, and other insulation measures, depending on the situation.

Families who have received TANF or SSI benefits, or who have received LIHEAP assistance in the last 12 months are automatically eligible, along with those currently receiving unemployment or worker's compensation.

Additionally, those making less than 200 percent of the poverty level ($44,700 for a family of four, $21,780 for a single person, for example) are eligible.

Landlords may also contact the CACLV about this program, or refer low-income tenants directly.

Proof of income and property ownership, along with documentation of energy usage, are required.

Call the CACLV at 484-893-1715 for more information or to request an application, or visit them on the web at www.caclv.org