Contact: Jackie Anderson
Division Manager
JackieM.Anderson@snoco.org
425-388-3237
Snohomish County Human Services Recognizes Weatherization Day
EVERETT, Wash., October 30, 2018 - Snohomish County’s Human Services Department (HSD) Weatherization Program recognizes October 30, 2018 as National Weatherization Day.
Over 5,300 low income households in Snohomish County have received health and safety and energy savings improvements on their homes since 1996 through the Human Services Weatherization Program. These enhancements have included ceiling, wall and floor insulation; reducing heat loss by caulking, weather stripping, or broken window replacement, and making other changes and repairs that increase a home’s efficiency to save money on heating bills and make the home or apartment a safer and healthier living space for families. The program may also provide heating system repairs or improvements.
Funding is provided from the State of Washington, U.S Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Bonneville Power Administration and local utility companies including PUD, Puget Sound Energy and Cascade Natural Gas. Human Services receives approximately $1.1 million annually to improve eligible households and homes.
“Weatherization Plus Health”, added to the State Weatherization Program as a permanent component of the program beginning July 1, 2018, is a new and innovative approach to providing additional services, beyond energy savings that helps provide a healthier home environment for persons who are living with chronic respiratory conditions, such as children with asthma and senior citizens with COPD. Improvements to the home that help reduce triggers of upper respiratory conditions may include improved ventilation, carpet removal and installation of other flooring, safer and healthier cleaning supply options, HEPA filters and home-specific education to help reduce doctor or hospital visits and reduce the need for use of some medications. Snohomish County Human Services was one of six agencies around the state that took part in the Weatherization Plus Health pilot project in 2016 -2017 and helped 26 families in Snohomish County.
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“We were excited to be part of the successful Weatherization Plus Health pilot and that it has become part of the regular Weatherization Program. We know that asthma and other chronic respiratory illnesses lead to missed school or work and increased doctor or hospital visits. We also know that providing Plus Health offers solutions that will allow children and families to experience health benefits in their everyday lives.” Said Mary Jane Brell Vujovic, Human Services Director.
Weatherization work to homes available through the program are often not affordable for low income households. This program allows these families to access energy saving measures which means low income families are better able to meet their heating costs and to participate in overall community efforts to reduce energy usage and realize savings. Limited repairs that are needed to complete qualified enhancements to the home may be included with performed weatherization and Weatherization Plus Health improvements done in a home.
Governor Inslee Proclaims Oct 30 Weatherization Day in Washington: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/community-programs-facilities/gov-inslee-proclaims-oct-30-weatherization-day-in-washington-2/
The Snohomish County Human Services Department helps all persons meet their basic needs and develop their potential by providing timely, effective human services and building community. The Housing & Community Services Division administers a wide range of programs that provide affordable housing, community development, and related services to low-income and homeless persons.