Housing Rehabilitation
CSP administers the Weatherization Assistance Program to eligible households in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa Counties. Funding and eligibility are determined by the U.S.
CSP administers the Weatherization Assistance Program to eligible households in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa Counties. Funding and eligibility are determined by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) was created in 1976 to assist low-income families who lacked resources to invest in energy efficiency. WAP is operated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Native American tribes, and U.S. Territories. Funds are used to improve the energy efficiency of low-income homes using the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available in the housing industry. The energy conservation resulting from the efforts of state and local agencies helps our country reduce its dependence on foreign oil and decrease the cost of energy for families in need while improving the health and safety of their homes.
Weatherization
Home Energy Audits and Assessments
A home energy audit includes a comprehensive assessment of the current condition of a home followed by a detailed evaluation of the energy conservation measures that can improve the building's performance. The first step of the comprehensive assessment takes place at the home and includes visual and diagnostic assessments of the whole home as a system, including the building shell, heating and cooling systems, and appliances. Combustion appliances are tested for safety and efficiency, existing insulation levels are determined, air leakage is measured, electrical appliances are metered, moisture and other health hazards are evaluated, and the residents are interviewed about energy usage, trouble areas in the home, and health issues that may be connected to the indoor environment.
The data collected during the comprehensive assessment, or site audit, is then entered into an approved energy audit software tool. Based on the local climate, energy rates, the costs of materials and labor, and the current condition of the home, the software evaluates the cost-effectiveness of home energy retrofit measures. Typical cost-effective measures include:
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Air sealing and insulating the building shell
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Heating and cooling system tune-ups, repairs, or replacements
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Duct sealing and insulation
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Installation of compact fluorescent light bulbs
In addition to the energy conservation measures, the auditor will recommend measures to improve the health and safety of the residents. Typical health and safety related measures include:
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Adding mechanical ventilation to kitchens and bathrooms to manage moisture and other indoor pollutants
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Installing vapor barriers on dirt-floored basements or crawl spaces
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Installing smoke/CO detectors
The successful energy audit results in a work order of measures that will reduce energy consumption and potentially improve the health of occupants.
Clients must provide with a completed application:
Proof of Income - Income for all household members. Acceptable forms of proof include a Notice of Action Form from DHR, statement or award letter from the Social Security Administration, check stubs, copy of paycheck, prior year W-2, prior year 1099.
Proof of Homeownership - A property report card from the Appraisal department of the local Tax Assessor's Office is preferred, annual or monthly mortgage statement, or property deed with the home address listed.
Picture Identification - U.S. driver's license or State-issued non driver identification card.
Social Security cards - A Social Security Card bearing applicant's name full name, SSN, and signature. Social security cards are also required for all other household members.
Account Numbers - Account numbers (or copies of bills) for electricity and, if applicable, heating fuel source i.e. natural gas, propane, kerosene.
Weatherization Mission Statement:
To reduce energy costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety.
The Weatherization program provides energy conservation measures to houses at no cost to the residents. These measures may included attic, sidewall and floor insulation, air sealing around doors and windows, minor roof repair, compact fluorescent light bulbs, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. A blower door audit is completed on each house to determine the appropriate energy conservation measures needed to decrease energy consumption in the house.
Eligibility Requirements for Weatherization
Household income cannot exceed 200% of the national poverty guidelines. The guideline are as follows:
National Poverty Guidelines FY 2024 at 200%
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How do I qualify?Complete the application, attach the necessary documentation and take/mail to your local CSP office.
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How much will I have to pay?There is NO cost for weatherization. All services are provided free of charge to the resident.
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Will the program replace my doors/windows/or roof?The services you receive are based on an assessment of your home. You may receive windows or doors only if the assessment of the house determines that need. Your roof may be patched but cannot be replace under the programs guidelines
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Must I own my home?No, you do not but your landlord is responsible for ½ of the costs of Weatherization and your landlord must agree not to raise the rent for one year.
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How long will I have to wait for services?Unfortunately, CSP has a very long waiting list. It could be months, or it could be years.
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If I had Weatherization before, can I get it again?If you have received Weatherization, you are not eligible again for 15 years from the date of services.