Press Releases
NFCAA seeking applicants for free home weatherization services
4/22/2010
NFCAA seeking applicants for free home weatherization services
With $4.3 million in funding from ARRA, agency can help more residents
Jacksonville, Fla. – With more than $4.3 million in funding from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act for its weatherization program, the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency (NFCAA) has the ability to help more people in need living in Baker, Flagler, Duval, Nassau and Putnam counties. NFCAA’s weatherization program provides free energy-related home repairs to eligible low income residents. In an effort to get the word out, NFCAA is conducting a recruiting campaign and holding special sign up days in each county for its weatherization program. Seniors, people with disabilities, and households with children 12 or younger receive priority status for services.
To be eligible for the free weatherization services, residents in the five-county service area must own or rent a single-family home and have an annual gross income below 200 percent of the 2009 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Income levels are based on the number of individuals living in the home. To see if you qualify, compare your annual gross income and the number of family members in your household with the guidelines below.
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Size of Family Unit
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Income Level @ 200% of
Poverty Guidelines
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1
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$21,660
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2
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$29,140
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3
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$36,620
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4
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$44,100
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5
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$51,580
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6
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$59,060
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7
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$66,540
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8
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$74,050
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For each additional member add $ 7,480
Residents in Nassau County who meet the income guidelines may sign up on Friday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gray Gables-Nassau Village Fire Department (540507 Lem Turner Rod, Callahan). Dates for Flagler and Putnam counties will be announced soon. Residents in Baker County should call 259-4481, extension 24, to schedule an appointment to determine eligibility. In Duval County, residents should call 398-7472, extension 218.
To apply for the weatherization program, residents must provide all the following documents:
- Picture identification card
- Social security cards of everyone living in the household
- Current proof of all household income
- If you receive Social Security, SSI, pensions, AFDC, child support, etc., you must provide a copy of the most recent award letter or statement from the source providing the income.
- If you are working, you must provide proof of income for the past 12 months, such as a W-2 from 2009 and your latest pay stub OR the most recent 3 months income.
- Current proof of ownership (a copy of your deed or current homestead exemption card)
- Copy of most recent utility bill
- Renters must have Landlord complete the “Landlord Agreement Form” and “Permission to Enter Premises Form”. These forms can be obtained from NFCAA.
Work on the homes will not be started until all the above information is provided.
NFCAA’s weatherization program makes home repairs that improve energy efficiency, while improving the health and safety of homeowners. After a homeowner qualifies, NFCAA assigns a housing inspector to conduct a home energy audit, which identifies the improvements required to make the home more energy efficient. Improvements may include:
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Weatherization improvements average about $5,000 per single-family home, and work is completed by licensed and bonded area contractors. Post-work inspection shows for every $1 invested in the program, weatherization returns $1.67 in reduced energy bills.
For more than 40 years, the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency (NFCAA) has been a driving force in eliminating poverty in Northeast Florida. In addition to providing emergency financial assistance to those in need, NFCAA’s educational programs and services helps individuals earn, maintain, and grow an income to achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence. Coupled with youth development services and community improvement projects, NFCAA and its clients help build better communities and improve the quality of life for all. For more information about NFCAA, please call (904) 261-0801 or visit www.nfcaa.org to see a short video showing the benefits of weatherization.
Joyce McCall
Media Contact
904-798-3151
jmccall@trsg.net
