A member of CAP Services weatherization crew blows insulation into the attic of a participant's home.
"CAP Services has bent over backwards to be of assistance to us.
They have made all the arrangements to have natural gas run up to our house from the road and to contact a reputable heating contractor to install a new energy-efficient furnace."
After weatherizing homes on a first-come, first-served basis for 30 years, CAP Services weatherization program now weatherizes income qualified homes identified by the Wisconsin Energy Assistance Program. The program provides CAP with a Referral List of qualified homes for eventual follow-up to determine owner/tenant interest in participating in the program.
Annual energy costs of some of these homes exceed $3,000, and all are occupied by low-income families. High energy consuming homes weatherized in 2007 showed that weatherization reduced the annual energy usage of these homes by an average of 30 percent and as much as 50 percent.
Energy savings are achieved by: installing attic, wall, crawl space, water heater and hot water pipe insulation; sealing air leaks into the home; and, installing low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators and energy-efficient light bulbs in every home. Based upon the projected energy savings, furnaces, refrigerators and freezers may also be replaced.
To be eligible, homeowners or renters must qualify for and receive Energy Assistance. Priority for weatherization of these homes is determined by the state. Homeowners, whose annual income is at or below 60 percent of Wisconsin State Median Income, receive weatherization services at no cost. Landlords whose tenant’s annual income is at or below 60 percent of Wisconsin State Median Income and pay the heating bill also receive this service at no cost to the landlord. If the tenant’s heat is included with the rent, there is a nominal 15% fee of the actual cost of the project that is charged to the property owner.
Homeowners who do not qualify for Energy Assistance and have a household income between 60 and 80 percent of the Wisconsin State Median Income guidelines may qualify for the Wisconsin Targeted Home Performance program. This program requires homeowners to pay 10 percent of the actual cost.
In both programs, weatherization is performed only if homes can be brought into compliance with Department of Energy standards, and only if participants accept all recommended measures.
Click on Home Energy + or Targeted Home Performance for income guidelines and more information on Weatherization and Targeted Home Performance programs.
For additional information, contact:
Pat Disher
Housing Program Technician
715-343-7145
pdisher@capmail.org
| Contact information for Wisconsin Energy Assistance Program offices | |
|---|---|
| Marquette County 140 Lake Ct Montello, WI 53949 (608) 297-8641 |
Portage County |
| Waupaca County 1300 Royalton St Waupaca, WI 54981 (715) 258-6820 |
Waushara County 205 E Main St Ste 46 Wautoma, WI 54982 (920) 787-1830 |
REHABILITATION
Housing rehabilitation funds are provided to low-income homeowners as a deferred loan that is due upon sale of the home, if the home is no longer their primary residence, or 30 years from the date of the loan origination. Households eligible for the 4% simple interest loans must have annual incomes at or below 80% of the county median income.
Repairs eligible for funding include, but are not limited to, roof work, siding, foundation repair, handicap accessibility, door and window repair or replacement, wells, septic systems, plumbing, electrical, heating system and water heater replacement, and lead hazard reduction.
CAP performs an assessment of each home to determine what work is needed to meet HUD Housing Quality Standards. In order to qualify for the loan, the homeowner has to agree to all the recommended work. Rehabilitation work is performed by contractors selected by the borrower from an approved list.
CAP Services administers 11 Community Development Block Grant housing rehabilitation programs in five counties.
For more information, contact:
Sue Murphy
Housing Coordinator
608-297-2801
smurphy@capmail.org