WAGAP accesses Yakima weatherization program

Todd Hilmes, Weatherization and Utility Assistance Program manager for the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, said that NCAC and WAGAP joined forces with the approval of the Washington State Department of Commerce to provide home weatherization services to Klickitat and Skamania counties earlier this year. “The center brings 25 years of experience working with low-income homeowners to cut down on electricity bills, improve in-home safety, and generally make homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer,” he said.

Clients of WAGAP who already qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) automatically qualify for this program. Additionally, homeowners or renters in Washington who make up to 200% of the federal poverty level or 60% of the state median income also qualify. Information and a detailed eligibility chart are available at www.commerce.wa.gov/weatherization/.

For qualified households in its service area, WAGAP would connect them with the NCAC to have a certified professional conduct an audit of the home and outline updates that would help reduce energy bills. They will then analyze the findings to pinpoint the most effective upgrades for the home.

Jennifer Pauletto, WAGAP’s executive director, said it is important to note that this is not a window replacement program and no guarantees are made that a home will be eligible for specific upgrades. “Clients will work with our partners at the Northwest Community Action Center to determine the most appropriate course of action for their homes,” she said.

Types of work may include insulation installation, weather stripping, air sealing, ventilation, LED light bulbs, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, testing hot water and HVAC systems, and providing education. The weatherization benefits include improved energy efficiency, better health and safety measures, cost savings, and a positive environmental impact.

A useful weatherization guide is available online in English at deptofcommerce.app.box.com/s/76bbcl1b1ydh08brpcbtgbo4z4k8f4xu. A Spanish version is available at deptofcommerce.app.box.com/s/aw265qp7i28ye4xb7afgljhs758hkc3s.

To apply, eligible homeowners and renters in Klickitat and Skamania counties should contact the WAGAP Energy Assistance program at 800-755-1192 or online at the NCAC website, www.yvfwc.com/service/home-weatherization.

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Una versión en español de esta historia está en línea en www.columbiagorgenews.com/enespanol.