Additional Weatherization Resources

NASCSP (National Association for State Community Services Programs)

The National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) is the premier national association charged with advocating and enhancing the leadership role of states in preventing and reducing poverty. NASCSP’s vision encompasses the empowerment of low-income families to reach self-sufficiency in its broadest context, through helping states attain full utilization of their resources and implement an extensive array of services to these families, including weatherization, energy assistance, child care, nutrition, employment, state energy programs, job training, and housing in urban, suburban and rural communities.

Weatherization Plus Health

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Plus Health initiative is a national effort to enable local providers of low-income energy, health, and safety services to work together efficiently and effectively. Weatherization Plus Health will help communities connect resources so that residents can access comprehensive solutions to their housing problems. To meet these goals, Weatherization Plus Health is providing a series of resources that will empower the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and Healthy Homes providers to establish strong partnerships, coordinate service delivery, and implement new strategies to benefit their communities.

To learn more about the Weatherization Plus Health initiative visit, www.WxPlusHealth.org.

Pennsylvania Department of Aging

Many helpful programs exist to assist older Pennsylvanians and their families with a broad range of issues.

Public Utility Commission

Utility companies offer a variety of energy assistance programs to help consumers lower and manage their utility bills.

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

PHFA offers low-cost loans to qualifying homeowners for home repairs.

Emergency Heater Hotline – Philadelphia Residents

Utility Emergency Services – Philadelphia Residents

The privately funded Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) helps people after all other public sources have been used for gas, electric and water bills listed in the client’s name or for which the client can show responsibility. Families whose income level is up to 175% of the federal poverty level are eligible to apply. The maximum grant is $500. Clients must have a shut-off notice, or be in shut-off status, and must have applied for LIHEAP and Crisis grants when available.

SHARP Program – Philadelphia Residents

SHARP is a minor home repair program provided by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging for Philadelphia homeowners 60 years and older. To receive services, the consumer’s name must be on the deed. The property must have all utilities functioning and be structurally sound. Consumers can apply for services every 5 years. Examples of the type of work SHARP can do are: install exterior doors with dead bolt locks, window locks, repair steps or replace basement steps. Install smoke alarms, weather-strip doors, replace electrical switches, outlets and fixtures, repair leaky faucets and toilets, install shut off valves. SHARP also can do minor modifications to the homes of seniors with physical disabilities such as adapt bathroom fixtures, grab bars and install wrought iron railings.

Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Residents

Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh delivers no-cost home repairs to low-income seniors in Allegheny County.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Residents

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh offers several programs designed to help low-income homeowners with repairs to their homes. Repairs are completed primarily through the efforts of volunteers, with green and sustainable building practices used whenever possible. Repairs are affordable, as they are completed at no-profit to Habitat. If needed, low or no-interest loans may be available to help finance the cost of the work.