Sustainable Flatbush is hosting an informational event and workshop on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 to provide information on the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). This federally-funded program provides home improvements that reduce energy bills by an average of 32%, while at the same time improving health, safety and comfort, all at NO COST to income-eligible homeowners and tenants. Although the Weatherization Assistance Program has existed for over 30 years, it is not well-known or understood. The purpose of this event is to connect Flatbush residents with the program’s benefits.
The primary goal of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is to help low-income families reduce energy consumption and costs. Weatherization can include some or all of the following:
• Replacing or repairing heating systems, including boilers and hot-water heaters.
• Applying superior weather-stripping and caulking.
• Installing high-efficiency cellulose insulation in walls and attics.
• Replacing inefficient appliances with Energy Star® models.
• Installing health and safety hardware, especially smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Installing low-flow shower heads, aerators, and energy-saving light bulbs.
Most importantly, Weatherization means:
• Your house or building will be warm in winter and cool in summer
• Your electric, gas, oil, and water bills will go down (an average of 32%)
• Your comfort and safety will increase
Income-qualified homeowners receive these benefits at NO COST. Weatherization not only lowers energy bills, it also benefits all Brooklynites by reducing pollution, upgrading housing stock, and decreasing New York City’s carbon footprint.
Co-sponsored by Pastor Gil Monrose’s Brooklyn Center for Quality Life and NYC Councilmember Jumaane D. Williams, the event is being held at Mt. Zion Church of God, 203 East 37th Street, between Church Avenue and Linden Boulevard, from 7 – 9 p.m. Representatives from Community Environmental Center (CEC) will be on hand to discuss details of WAP, assist participants to determine whether they qualify, and help them enroll in the program by completing the application process.
CEC, a Long Island City-based non-profit, was founded in 1994 to address the housing and energy efficiency needs of low- and middle-income communities. Through its partnership with CEC, Sustainable Flatbush is able to provide the resources to inform Brooklyn residents about subsidized opportunities to make their homes more energy efficient. Although the focus of the event is 1-4 family owner-occupied homes, information will also be available on other energy efficiency programs and subsidies, provided by the Pratt Center for Community Development.
Sustainable Flatbush, established in 2007, is a grassroots community-based organization that brings neighbors together to mobilize, educate, and advocate for sustainable living in our Brooklyn neighborhood and beyond. SF’s Energy Solutions Initiative provides information and resources to bring the benefits of energy efficiency to our community in central Brooklyn.
Refreshments will be served. Free energy-efficient compact fluorescent lightbulbs will be available, courtesy of Beam NY.
WHAT:
How to Fix Your Home and Save on Energy Bills
WHERE:
Mt. Zion Church of God
203 East 37th Street (between Church Avenue and Linden Boulevard)
Brooklyn, NY
WHEN:
Tuesday, March 8th from 7-9pm
