Statewide Initiatives
Statewide Initiatives
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Weatherization Advocacy Day
On August 13, 2024, Community Action professionals from across the state gathered on Jones St. in Raleigh to make their voices heard regarding the NCDEQ's role in mounting difficulties within the state weatherization program.
Sharon Goodson, Executive Director of the NCCAA, spoke to a troubling decline in communication, reduced funding, and stalled contracts from NC DEQ. These issues have severely impacted the program’s ability to support elderly and low-income residents, who rely on weatherization to make their homes safer and more energy-efficient. The program currently has a waiting list of over 2,700 applicants.
The successful gathering and associated press conference resulted in statewide media coverage.
This page is a recap of that day, and includes resources to support our agencies during the ongoing dialogue with the NCDEQ.
Gallery
Press Release
Press Release - For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angeline Schwab, communications@nccaa.net or 828-550-9336
NCCAA Executive Director: Sharon Goodson, sharon.goodson@ncaa.net or 919-790-5757
Weatherization Programs: A Crucial Lifeline for Elderly and Disadvantaged Residents Across North Carolina
Raleigh, NC — North Carolina’s weatherization programs, long administered by Community Action Agencies across the state, face a critical juncture as recent funding and administrative challenges threaten their effectiveness. Community Action officials are expressing mounting frustration over what they see as the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NC DEQ) role in the program’s difficulties.
Sharon Goodson, Executive Director of the North Carolina Community Action Association (NCCAA), highlights a troubling decline in communication, reduced funding, and stalled contracts from NC DEQ. These issues have severely impacted the program’s ability to support elderly and low-income residents, who rely on weatherization to make their homes safer and more energy-efficient. The program currently has a waiting list of over 2,700 applicants.
“Many of our low-income clients live in hazardous conditions, and our agencies strive to address these urgent issues,” says Goodson. “Protecting our most vulnerable populations is a priority, and we are deeply concerned that the NC DEQ has not been responsive. With no resolution in sight, we are now reaching out to elected officials and the public to advocate for change.”
Federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy is allocated through the NC DEQ to Community Action Agencies and other assistance providers, who then use these resources for weatherization projects. This funding is crucial for repairs such as fixing roof leaks, replacing windows and heating units, and installing insulation. These improvements not only boost energy efficiency but also provide a stable and safe living environment, which is especially important for individuals with limited mobility or chronic health conditions.
“Weatherization efforts extend beyond energy savings; they are about safeguarding lives,” explains Goodson. “Reduced funding and delays on contracts from NC DEQ mean that we cannot provide essential support. Proper weatherization protects our most vulnerable residents from extreme temperatures and related health risks. We need NC DEQ to demonstrate a commitment to health and safety and our community’s well-being.”
Community Action Agencies are questioning several aspects of the program’s administration, including the significant reduction in funding, a flawed program design, untimely reimbursements, misrepresentation of outcomes that does not include context, cumbersome reporting requirements, inadequate administrative support, and poor communication from NC DEQ to CA Agency administrators.
“In the mountains, temperatures can be dangerously cold in the winter,” says Patsy Davis, Executive Director of Mountain Projects and Board President of NCCAA. “With 200 households on our individual agency’s waiting list, we fear that some clients might resort to unsafe heating methods. We have already faced several tragedies as a result of fires caused by faulty heating equipment, and the NC DEQ needs to collaborate with us to prevent further loss.”
Key Benefits of the Weatherization Program:
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Health and Safety: Weatherization helps prevent health issues related to extreme temperatures, particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
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Energy Efficiency: By improving insulation and heating systems, the program lowers utility bills and alleviates financial strain on low-income households.
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Environmental Impact: Enhanced energy efficiency contributes to reducing the carbon footprint, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
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Community Action’s Commitment: The NC Community Action network, began administering weatherization programs since 1976. The Weatherization Assistance Program aims to reduce energy burdens and improve health and safety for vulnerable populations by making homes more energy-efficient.
For Comment or Interviews: Executive Directors from across North Carolina are available for comment. Please email communications@nccaa.net or contact Angeline Schwab at 828-550-9336 to be connected with a spokesperson in your area.
About Community Action Agencies:
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are local non-profit organizations that combat poverty and empower low-income individuals as part of the War on Poverty initiative. CAAs rely on volunteer work and federal funding, including the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), to support a variety of programs. Governed by a diverse board of directors, CAAs are committed to alleviating poverty and promoting economic mobility.
Resources
The graphics below are for agency use to support our efforts on Tuesday, August 13, as we encourage the NC DEQ to work more closely and effectively with the NCCAA and its member agencies. Click on an image below to view the gallery and download whichever graphics you choose. The download icon will appear in the upper left of the gallery window, or in the bottom right of the thumbnail.
NOTE: Scripts for the body of your social media posts are at the bottom of the page. Feel free to cut-and-paste the most appropriate copy for your post.
Primary Graphic “Can't Wait"
“Strong Communities"
“Better Administration"
“General"
Scripts
SCRIPT
For the past 48 years, weatherization programs have helped the elderly, the disabled, families with children, high energy users and the energy burdened. And yet, many rural and underserved communities still do not receive enough funding to meet weatherization needs in their community. There are 2700+ households on weatherization waiting lists, and funding is inadequate in some cases and held up in others. Help us urge the NC DEQ to increase and expedite allocations.
Reach out to Governor Roy Cooper:
E. contactgov@nc.gov
T. 919-814-2000
M. 20301 Mail Service, Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
#NCDEQ #advocateforchange #NCCAA #Weatherization, #EnergyEfficiency, #WAP, #energyhelp, #energyassistance #ncgovernor #secretarybiser #NCDHHS
SCRIPT
Many underserved households live without heat in the winter and cooling in the summer, oftentimes in homes that they own and that they cannot maintain. Some clients are without an indoor toilet, without running water or working appliances. Some have walls that are falling down; Many have holes in their floors, leaking roofs and they have no income or family support to fix these safety issues. Urge the NC DEQ to expedite efforts to help our clients.
Reach out to Governor Roy Cooper:
E. contactgov@nc.gov
T. 919-814-2000
M. 20301 Mail Service, Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
#NCDEQ #advocateforchange #NCCAA #Weatherization, #EnergyEfficiency, #WAP, #energyhelp, #energyassistance #ncgovernor #secretarybiser #NCDHHS
SCRIPT
The NCCAA network includes 33 agencies that represent the 100 Counties of North Carolina, 17 of which manage weatherization programs. These agencies employ 111 weatherization staff and an additional 122 weatherization contractors across the state. Agencies have invested many thousands of dollars to train their employees, but have recently been forced to resort to layoffs due to a lack of executed contracts and slow reimbursements. Contractors have suffered from work slowdowns. Urge the NC DEQ to implement efficient administrative reimbursements.
Reach out to Governor Roy Cooper:
E. contactgov@nc.gov
T. 919-814-2000
M. 20301 Mail Service, Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
#NCDEQ #advocateforchange #NCCAA #Weatherization, #EnergyEfficiency, #WAP, #energyhelp, #energyassistance #ncgovernor #secretarybiser #NCDHHS
SCRIPT
Community Action organizations are frontline fighters working to alleviate the conditions that cause poverty, serving families with incomes below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. Our agencies face excessive, time-consuming reporting requirements, don’t receive enough administrative funding and experience delays in reimbursement that cause financial hardship. Our elderly and low-income residents can’t wait. Contact the NC DEQ and help us advocate for more timely communication and budgetary requirements.
Reach out to Governor Roy Cooper:
E. contactgov@nc.gov
T. 919-814-2000
M. 20301 Mail Service, Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
#NCDEQ #advocateforchange #NCCAA #Weatherization, #EnergyEfficiency, #WAP, #energyhelp, #energyassistance #ncgovernor #secretarybiser #NCDHHS
SCRIPT
95% of the homes that we inspect don’t have adequate heat, and low income people can’t afford the cost of heating systems. In the past five years, heating system costs have risen as much as 300%. Weatherization helps prevent health issues related to extreme temperatures, particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Our vulnerable populations can’t go without heat. Help us advocate for change. Contact the NC DEQ about increasing our heating allocations.
Reach out to Governor Roy Cooper:
E. contactgov@nc.gov
T. 919-814-2000
M. 20301 Mail Service, Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
#NCDEQ #advocateforchange #NCCAA #Weatherization, #EnergyEfficiency, #WAP, #energyhelp, #energyassistance #ncgovernor #secretarybiser #NCDHHS
SCRIPT
When weatherization crews visit homes, they often uncover unsafe, unsanitary and dangerous conditions. Sometimes these households use grills, unvented heaters and even open flames inside their homes to keep warm. They often use kitchen appliances to produce heat. These clients need a stable and safe living environment - especially if they face limited mobility or have chronic health conditions. Weatherization programs save lives, and they need more support from the NC DEQ.
Reach out to Governor Roy Cooper:
E. contactgov@nc.gov
T. 919-814-2000
M. 20301 Mail Service, Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
#NCDEQ #advocateforchange #NCCAA #Weatherization, #EnergyEfficiency, #WAP, #energyhelp, #energyassistance #ncgovernor #secretarybiser #NCDHHS