SNAP
3102 W. Fort George Wright
Spokane, WA 99224
(509) 456-7111
Fax: (509) 534-5874
Press Release 4-10-09
For immediate release
TO: News Desk, Assignment Editor
FR: Ron Hardin, Communications Manager
SNAP
2116 E. First Avenue, Spokane WA 99202
509-456-7111 ext.242; hardin@snapwa.org
Cell phone 993-7143
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Stimulus Dollars Enhance Weatherization Program
SNAP is expecting to significantly increase the number of Weatherization projects in Spokane County has a result of stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. An influx of an additional $1.73 million dollars in each of the next three years could allow SNAP to weatherize 600 more living units per year above current levels.
SNAP normally weatherizes about 300 homes per year, so the number of annual units served by this program might reach as high as 900 per year for the three year span of these funds.
Weatherization has been a service of SNAP personnel for about 25 years. Records kept since 1993 show that 5,677 homes have been weatherized in Spokane County.
SNAP is planning to hire more staff to prepare for the additional projects. At least ten workers will be added to the weatherization crews. Currently, 34 people are employed in this SNAP program. Private contractors may also become a part of the mix to complete all the extra work generated by the stimulus funds.
On the average, a homeowner can save about $358 annually on energy bills after a house is weatherized. Energy Conservation education programs are offered by SNAP to enhance the weatherization effort.
SNAP will serve households at or below 50% of median income or 125% of the federal poverty level (whichever is higher).
Income guidelines to qualify for programs like Weatherization have recently been revised. A family of four can qualify for this program if the household income is no more than $30,100 annually.
Those interested in determining whether than qualify for the Weatherization program should call SNAP’s Minor Home Repair office at 744-3370.
Depending on the deficiencies, the weatherization project may include a number of projects. Insulation crews will fill the attic and walls, seal cracks and replace windows and doors. Electricians can install energy efficient light fixtures, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms and programmable thermostats. Furnaces are repaired or replaced. Water heaters are evaluated for efficiency.
Each SNAP project is thoroughly evaluated by a Building Performance Institute trained auditor.
Performance surveys are requested from each project. The returns show a satisfaction rate of over 99% on work performed by SNAP crews.
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About SNAP: SNAP connects and provides access to resources which creates opportunities, with dignity, for low income people.