The goal of the weatherization program is to reduce the energy cost (heating and cooling bills) of low income, elderly and disabled individuals.  Weatherization refers to the insulation of attics, floors, walls, water heaters and pipes, duct sealing, and the performance of air sealing with the use of a blower door. All applicants for assistance must qualify by meeting an income requirement at no more than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. During the past program year, a total of 88 units were completed.  This program year, a minimum of 65 units must be weatherized. The program will be  receiving more weatherization funding, but the average expenditure per home has been also been increased. The result is that more extensive weatherization measures will occur for each home.

Year after year, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) completes repairs to more units than the required minimum through prudent spending and careful program monitoring, and our Weatherization Program continues to be a model for other WAP programs throughout the state. CCA’s Weatherization crew provides quality services to eligible participants in our service area by implementing new weatherization techniques, and by providing forty (40) hours of training to each WAP crew member.

This year, CCA’s Weatherization Program was given an Award of Excellence in recognition of the Agency’s sustained commitment and excellence in performance, creativity, innovation and leadership, contributing directly to exceeding North Carolina’s weatherization goals.

The Weatherization Program continues to perform a variety of health and safety related issues, such as electrical and plumbing repairs, furnace cleaning, and tune-ups on all heating systems.  All health and safety repairs must be energy related, or required to facilitate the performance of other  weatherization activities.  Health and safety funds are also being used to address gas stoves by installing vented range hoods, replacing water heaters, and venting bath exhaust fans and dryers.

An on-going accomplishment is the ability of the program staff to leverage other resources (USDA Rural Development, NC Housing Finance Agency, etc.), and to utilize volunteer labor, such as the Baptist Men’s Association, to provide maximum work possible for the low-income client.