NASCSP Hosted A Virtual Event Celebrating 45 Years!
NASCSP celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) on Thursday, October 28, 2021, from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm.
The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, families with children, and households with high-energy burdens improve the energy efficiency of their homes. To date, more than 7.4 million low-income residences have been weatherized, reducing energy bills by $250 – $450 annually. The weatherization services also play an important role in improving the health and safety of low-income families. Residents of weatherized units report fewer colds and headaches, fewer hospitalizations, days of school or work missed, and fewer doctor visits. When factoring in energy efficiency and health and safety benefits, every dollar invested in the WAP returns $4.10 for our most vulnerable citizens.
The Weatherization Assistance Program has been supporting Americans by delivering cost-effective energy savings, providing important health and safety benefits, positively impacting the environment, and supporting domestic jobs for 45 years.
Check out the recording below to hear from Energy Secretary Granholm, members of Congress, WAP leadership from the Department of Energy, state and local weatherization professionals, demonstrations from training centers, client success stories, and more!
Weatherization Day 2021 – A Virtual Event Celebrating 45 Years! | Recording
Weatherization Day Was Celebrated Around the Country!
Here are some of the highlights…
Governor’s Proclamations were issued in at least 11 states: Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Virginia, Wisconsin.
Events or other actions were held in 16 states: Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, NREL (Colorado & DC), Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin.
Colorado – Governor Jared Polis issued a Weatherization Day proclamation for the state of Colorado.
Georgia – Governor Brian Kemp issued a Weatherization Day proclamation for the state of Georgia.
Illinois – CEDA in the Chicagoland area hosted a weatherization day event including a demonstration and tour. The event showcased CEDA’s Weatherization Training Center with its state-of-of-the-art weatherization technology.
Kansas – South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) worked with Kansas Gas Services, a gas utility, provided DIY weatherization kits that are available to residents of Reno County. No income eligibility for the kits, but Weatherization applications and information will be available to promote Weatherization Services.
Maryland – Governor Larry Hogan Jr. proclaimed October 30th Weatherization Day for the state of Maryland.
Massachusetts – Green Jobs Academy partnered with South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) Energy Conservation Services. Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker signed a Weatherization Day Proclamation.
Michigan – Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation for Weatherization Day.
Minnesota – Laura Milbrandt from Prairie Five and Scott Zahorik from AEOA were interviewed on the Public News Service radio show on the 29th of October. Scott and Laura publicized the good work done by the WAP network, the benefits of the Weatherization Assistance Program, and the increased funding in the program to help more low-income Minnesotans. Take a moment to listen to the story at the link above. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also declared October 30th Weatherization Day.
Missouri – The Northeast Community Action Corporation (NECAC) based in Bowling Green, MO hosted Weatherization Day activities that were written up in the Saint Louis Post-Dispatch.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Colorado & D.C. – NREL shared celebration posts for Weatherization Day on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Nebraska – An article was written in the Nebraska City News-Press about Weatherization Day and the services provided by the local Community Action Agency, Southeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership, Inc. (SENCA).
Nevada – The Community Services Agency Development Corporation (CSA Reno) posted on social media highlighting the impact of the Weatherization Assistance Program and celebrating National Weatherization Day on Facebook and Instagram. CSA Reno also issued a press release marking the Weatherization Day Celebration and available WAP services that made the news!
New Hampshire – Governor Christopher Sununu issued a Weatherization Day Proclamation. Both New Hampshire Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Margaret Wood Hassan sent letters in support of Weatherization Day activities. Additionally, Community Action of Strafford Co. (CAPSC) held a Weatherization Day event with demonstrations, giveaways and more. Southwestern Community Services posted several social media.
New Mexico – Elected officials including Lt. Governor Howie Morales, Silver City Mayor Ken Ladner, Sen. Siah Correa-Hemphill and Rep. Luis Terrazas highlighted the Weatherization Assistance Program by visiting a local woman who received weatherization. New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority Executive Director Izzy Hernandez said “Last year, we assisted 18,000 people through more than 200 partners. This program saves money and helps with health and safety issues for the homeowner. Most are saving an average of 27 percent on their utility costs, but this one will save 75 percent. We weatherize 600-700 homes a year. We have about 3,000 on the wait list, but we estimate there are more than 200,000 that we could help.”
North Dakota – The Community Acton Partnership of North Dakota hosted a Weatherization Open House on October 26th in Fargo, ND. There was program information, a demonstration, and tools of the trade on display.
Ohio – On October 25th, NeighborWorks Toledo held a public demonstration to share what the Weatherization Assistance Program does. Rep. Marcy Kaptur attended as well as state agencies, local government officials and NeighborWorks staff.
Oregon – Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency posted numerous social media posts on various topics including how to sign up and associated savings, health benefits and cooling tips. Posts were made between 10/21 and 10/28.
Pennsylvania – The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development posted status updates on Twitter, Facebook, posted a great blog called “My Journey and a Weatherization Technician” on October 25th. Governor Tom Wolf issued a Weatherization Day Proclamation for October 30th.
Texas – Panhandle Community Services celebrated Weatherization Day with an onsite event on October 8th, it was open to the public and offered energy saving tips. Local utility companies were in attendance and goodies including food and coloring books were handed out. The event was noted in local news outlets and also served as a hiring event.
Virginia – The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development shared social media posts on Twitter and Facebook including client success stories and the benefits of the Weatherization Assistance Program. Governor Ralph Northam issued a Weatherization Day Proclamation as well.
Wisconsin – Couleecap Inc. celebrated Weatherization Day with the dedication of a solar array and weatherization demonstrations. The new solar array will save Couleecap thousands of dollars a year and promote sustainability in their community.
