Oct 8 2007
Rebuilding Together Metro Denver, the local affiliate of the nation's largest volunteer home rehabilitation organization, and the Colorado Petroleum Association, today helped low-income homeowners reduce their energy use and save money as part of an energy-efficient rebuild of their home.
The rebuild is part of the Energy Efficient Homes Initiative, a national partnership between Rebuilding Together and America's oil and natural gas industry, which incorporates energy efficiency into home renovations for low-income homeowners nationwide, many of whom are elderly, disabled or have young children. The Initiative is an additional component of the 19-year-old national Rebuilding Together program, which will revitalize nearly 10,000 homes across the country this year. With the help of the Initiative, Rebuilding Together will give low-income homeowners the ability to reduce their energy consumption by as much as 30 percent.
"This is a wonderful partnership. Together, we are making a positive difference in the lives of those most in need," said Laurie Wagner, development director, Rebuilding Together Metro Denver. "Providing low-income homeowners the tools to dramatically improve energy efficiency enables them to save money and use it for other immediate needs such as food and health care."
"America's oil and natural gas industry practices energy efficiency every day within its operations, so we know the significant value of such a commitment," said Stan Dempsey, president, Colorado Petroleum Association. "We are delighted to partner with Rebuilding Together Metro Denver in this outstanding initiative. Our efforts will provide low-income homeowners the dual benefit of saving energy and money."
Last year, the Initiative was highlighted in 18 rebuilds nationwide, saving low-income homeowners thousands of dollars thanks to a variety of energy-saving features incorporated into their homes. This year, Lloyd and Rhonda, will be able to join the ranks of homeowners who are reaping the benefits of energy efficiency.
Lloyd's career in the construction industry was cut short after he was injured in an accident. Left disabled by this misfortune, Lloyd has required full-time care, which Rhonda provides, prohibiting her from working. With two children to care for, and little money to spend on home improvements, Lloyd and Rhonda's home became in need of serious repair. As part of the Initiative, Lloyd and Rhonda's home will receive insulation, light fixtures with compact fluorescent lights, and energy-efficient windows and doors. Other energy-efficient renovations include weather stripping and repairing ductwork to their furnace.
"There are no words," said Rhonda. "We've really been blessed."
"These improvements will allow my family and me to live more comfortably in my own home, while saving money," she added.
In addition to making homes more energy-efficient, the Initiative also provides low-income homeowners, volunteers and others with materials and information to help them use energy wisely now and in the future.