The weatherization program at Ozark Action, Inc. in West Plains, is slated to get over $1.5 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for weatherization activities for the next five years.
According to Ed Button, Housing Director at Ozark Action, the funding will help low-income homeowners and renters save money each month on their utility bills. The additional $328,000 per year on top of the yearly $500,000 the program receives, will help those in the region that need it most. Button says he is unsure when they will be able to proceed with the new funding, but wanted to thank Congress for getting this to the president’s desk.
Weatherization services save residents about $370 each year, and Ozark Action was able to help a total of 58 homes in the region. The program mainly consists of insulation homes and trailers, along with minor repairs, heating system repairs, and window repairs. The average cost done per home is around $5,000.
To qualify, people must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or $36,620 for a household of two, and $55,500 for a household of four. Landlords who have low-income tenants can also take advantage of the service, but the tenant must be the person to apply. Ozark Action also asks the landlord to contribute $200 towards the work.
Currently the wait list is around 4-6 months, where in the past people would wait years for services. According to Ozark Action, now is the time to sign up for assistance.
For more information, contact Ozark Action, Inc. at the main office in West Plains at 417-256-6147, or one of the outreach offices in Ava, Alton, Houston, Gainesville, Hartville, or Mountain Grove.
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