Agency assists in weatherizing homes
If your windows are leaking and your doors are drafty, help could be available through the Glenn County Community Action Agency’s weatherization program.
Quailfied low-income applicants may have their homes repaired through three programs associated with CAA and its partners, including Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and Richard Heath and Associates, who help weatherize homes in Glenn, Colusa and Trinity counties.
New windows, weather stripping, insulation and possible appliance replacement are some of the repairs that can be done through these programs — whether the residents own the home or not, said Glenn County CAA housing rehabilitation manager Bill Wathen. The work is performed by CAA weatherization staff or licensed sub-contractors.
Funding varies depending on the program, but CAA has been fixing up to 160 homes a year in the three counties in the consortium, Wathen said.
U.S. stimulus funding may provide another $600,000 that could repair 150 to 200 homes during a 27-month period, starting in July, Wathen said.
When possible, the agency works with local private building contractors to sub-contract work, said CAA deputy director Christine Zoppi-Pesh. It is a public-private partnership.
However, licensed contractors must apply to work with the weatherization program and may need additional training on program building standards, regulations and how to bid with a public agency, she said.
CAA currently has a survey available for contractors to fill out requesting information on the program and indicating their interest, Zoppi-Pesh said. The survey is online at www.hra.co.glenn.ca.us. with a link to contractors.
Other items that can be repaired under weatherization include wiring, floors, heating and air-conditioning units and also caulking holes to block drafts. New lighting and doors also can be installed to make homes more energy efficient.
As for appliances, non-functioning stoves, microwave ovens and more can be swapped out for operating ones of a similar type, Wathen said.
Homes may be repaired every six to 10 years depending on the program, although items not done previously could be fixed earlier, he said.
Income guidelines also have changed, meaning more applicants may qualify, Wathen said. The guideline rose from those earning 60 percent of the state’s median income to 75 percent.
For example, a single individual earning up to $1,800 a month qualified previously. Now he or she can earn up to $2,400 per month, Wathen said.
“Those denied in the past may qualify now,” he said. “We encourage them to reapply.”
A housing rehabilitation program also is run by CAA where low-income homeowners can seek loans to bring their houses up to building code.
Loans up to $100,000 can be approved to remodel bathrooms, redo roofs, add bedrooms or put in handicapped accessible ramps, he said. Interest rates range from 0 to 3 percent and can be repaid over 30 years.
“We do around 10 homes a year under this program in Glenn County,” Wathen said.
For information, call 934-1480. The CAA is under the umbrella of Glenn County’s Human Resource Agency, 420 East Laurel St., Willows. For utility payment assistance, call 934-1484.
