One of the many programs offered by Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP) is the Weatherization Assistance Program. The Weatherization Program is a free energy efficiency program designed to decrease energy costs for low-income families, especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, and people with small children.
Weatherization measures may be projects on the home’s exterior, like insulation of attics, sidewalls, floors, and the foundation perimeter. They may include sealing heating ducts and weather stripping to reduce the amount of outside air that leaks from the home. Heating systems and water heaters may be repaired or upgraded. The home may be tested for carbon monoxide, detectors may be installed, and other measures may be taken to improve air quality. Homes may even qualify for low-flow shower heads or energy efficient light bulbs.
Weatherization services do NOT include roof repairs, siding, painting, rewiring, or mold mitigation. Furnace repair or replacement is available through a separate program, and you should call NCAP if you need more information about that.
Households must meet income guidelines. Homes may be site built or mobile homes. Renters may receive weatherization services with the property owner’s approval. If a home has been weatherized by NCAP after September, 1994, it is not eligible to be weatherized again.
Low-income families may apply, and priority is given to elderly, disabled, and families with children under age 6. In addition, home occupants must be legal residents of the United States, and they must have an annual gross income that is below 200% of the federal poverty level. For more information go to www.ncap.info, where a chart that shows what those amounts are for the size of household.
Households that receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), or Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds may automatically qualify to receive weatherization services.
Be aware that it can take up to a year to have weatherization completed, depending on where a family falls on the priority list. COVID has also created problems with being able to obtain certain construction materials.
Once a home has been accepted into the Weatherization Program, an energy auditor will call to make an appointment for an energy audit. They do a full assessment of the energy efficiency of the home and determine what eligible measures would be appropriate. Fully trained crews will come to the house to make the improvements. Finally, the Quality Control Inspector will return to the home to inspect the work that has been done to ensure it meets standards.
For more information, call the NCAP Chadron office at (308) 432-3393 to verify that your home is eligible for weatherization. Or go to www.ncap.info, click on Programs and Services, then choose Weatherization. Download and complete the Weatherization Services application. Return completed applications to: NCAP, Attn: Weatherization Dept., 270 Pine Street, Chadron, NE 69337.
Northwest Community Action Partnership addresses the needs of low-income individuals and families and works hard to lessen poverty in northern Panhandle communities. If you qualify and need assistance, phone the Chadron office at (308) 432-3393 or the Alliance office at (308) 762-4523.