More than a million dollars available to help families with home improvements

DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — More than a million dollars in federal grant money is currently making its way to community action groups across North Alabama to help fund energy-saving projects in peoples’ homes.

Community Action Partnership of North Alabama is one of several groups that provides a Weatherization Assistance Program, which works to make homes more energy efficient.

Some of the measures including adding weather stripping to windows and insulation to attics. Other projects focus on health and safety by installing carbon monoxide detectors and replacing water heaters.

The program prioritizes helping elderly adults, those with disabilities and families with children.

“Many people think they will have to pay, and this is no cost to the homeowner or renter,” said Angela Ingram, the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Energy Director. “We would love the opportunity to be able to serve you.”

For more than 60 years, the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama has assisted people experiencing poverty. Part of that job is helping those in need maintain safe and comfortable conditions in their homes.

“Our mission is to provide opportunities for those in need, especially those who are in poverty,” said Tim Thrasher, the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama CEO. “What we try to do is provide a continuum of care for individuals.”

Over time, the Weatherization Assistance Program helps its beneficiaries save money on their utility bills.

In some situations, Ingram said the home repair needs are greater. The house may require a new roof or significant basement repairs. Community Action Partnership of North Alabama works with leveraged funds to take on those bigger projects and expand the scope of the assistance provided.

Ingram said the goal is to keep people in their homes.

“We did assist an elderly gentleman not too long ago that it was a difference between whether or not he would have to be displaced and go to a nursing home,” Ingram said.

To qualify for assistance, your household income must be at or below 200% of the current poverty guideline.

2024 Poverty Income Guideline for Energy Programs

• Family of 1: $30,120
• Family of 2: $40,880
• Family of 3: $51,640
• Family of 4: $62,400
• Family of 5: $73,160
• Family of 6: $83,920
• Family of 7: $94,680
• Family of 8: $105,440
• For each additional family member, add $10,760.

Community action groups across North Alabama have Weatherization Assistance Programs.

Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc .

• Coverage Area: Cullman, Lawrence, Morgan, Marion, Walker and Winston County
• Phone Number: 256-260-3116

Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc.

• Coverage Area: Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, St. Clair and Etowah Counties
• Phone Number: (256) 638-4430

Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison and Limestone Counties Inc.

• Coverage Area: Madison and Limestone Counties
• Phone Number: (256) 851-9800

Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc.

• Coverage Area: Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale Counties
• Phone Number: (256) 383-3832

You can fill out an application online or over the phone.

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