Weatherization provides Ms. Ophelia with a warm home this winter

Many low-income individuals and families live in homes with improper insulation, poor working heating and cooling, and other structural issues. For some, the cost of getting their home repaired is unaffordable. This leaves them cold in the winter and suffering dangerously high temperatures in the summer.

We know that 80% of all health outcomes are determined by where we live, work and play. Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC) Income-Qualified Weatherization Program—administered by The North Carolina Community Action Association—provides assistance to income-qualifying customers reduce energy consumption. The program has allowed community action agencies to replace appliances, reinsulate homes and install working air conditioning and heating units.

​Recently, through the weatherization program, Yadkin Valley Economic Development District, Inc (YVEDDI) helped their client, “Ms. Ophelia,” improve her living conditions. She was so fascinated by the crew blowing insulation into her walls, that she asked if she could video the process and share with her relatives in Nigeria.

“Oh, my goodness, what can I say? I almost have no words to describe how much better my house feels after the weatherization was done. It wasn't just the work done though. The entire process of applying for the program and having it done was so smooth. My daughter did the research about the program for me online and we were given a list of documents to submit. We met with Tina at the office, and she was so nice. When the team came in to do the work, they were very professional, and they patiently answered all my questions.

“I never knew these kinds of programs existed, but I am so glad we found you. I still wake up every day and pinch myself to see if it's all a dream. Now I can approach the winter months with confidence knowing that my house will be nice and toasty warm without kicking my power bill so high. Thank you all so much.”— Ms. O

The weatherization program allows community action clients to realize reductions in their energy bills. Learn more about the DEC program.