The Community Action network is a diverse one. There are multiple programs under a single agency’s roof that deal with everything from weatherization to health. Sometimes these programs operate like silos and do not strategically collaborate with one another to offer solutions for the whole home. This isn’t the most effective use of limited resources since many of these programs serve the same clients and often find issues that are out of the scope of their program, but not the case for another program.
Weatherization (Wx) Plus Health seeks to solve this problem by bringing health, safety, and energy efficiency programs to the same table and coordinating services to provide the best assistance possible to low-income families working towards self-sufficiency. This initiative challenges the Community Action network to break down silos and further ensure community-based programs work together to provide holistic care for low-income families.
The Department of Energy (DOE) and National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) invite the Community Action network and partners to find out more about this innovative initiative and ways you can get involved. Join us for a Weatherization Plus Health National Training in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from October 31 to November 2, 2012.
The agenda will feature:
- Overview of Wx Plus Health
- How State & local agencies can get involved and enhance services
- Funding opportunities available for Wx Plus Health initiatives
- The Federal perspective on Wx Plus Health
- Preview of the future Wx Plus Health website, an interactive resource and tool that includes health and energy efficiency resources for local communities, including a map with GIS data on the location of CSBG, WAP and healthy homes providers in all 3,056 U.S. counties
- Best practices to address barriers, develop solutions, and get involved in Wx Plus Health
Following the National Training will be a series of Regional Trainings. These trainings are open to all who are interested in this initiative, but we would highly encourage State CSBG Administrators and local CAA Executive Directors and planning staff to attend and learn how this might be part of their 2013 strategic plan. Others we recommend attend this training include State and local Wx and CSBG program staff, State CAA Associations, and lead, asthma, pest management, and home health staff.
To register for the 2012 National Training in Philadelphia, PA, click here. You can also visit www.nascsp.org for more information about both the National Training and Regional Trainings.
