How to Get Help with Weatherization

I know winter is almost over but that doesn't mean you still can't get help with weatherization such as new doors and windows and a new furnace. My husband and I live in a very old trailer that was given to us by a friend of a friend. The trailer came with everything except a refrigerator. There was a furnace in here that was working pretty good at first and there were also storm windows. The furnace worked for about six months and then quit working suddenly during Winter last year. My husband tried to fix it but it would not work anymore so we have been without a furnace since then. All Winter we have been using an electric heater for the living room, a very small electric heater for the bedroom, and the broiler on the oven for the kitchen. We have no heat in the bathroom and have to take one of the heaters in there when we take a bath.

As for windows and doors, well let's just say the doors stick constantly and we have to put a thick piece of crumbled up paper in between where the door is supposed to open and close. If we don't do this we are locked in and have to use a knife or anything else that will fit in between the catch of the door to get it open. The back door has to be slammed shut and opened and it has to stay locked at all times if we are not using it or else the dogs will get out and take off. My dogs know that all they have to do is run, jump, and push on the door to open it and they will be gone. The windows aren't too bad but they could use an update on them.

Getting Help with New Windows, Doors, and a Furnace

If you have low income and need help getting new windows, doors, and a furnace before next Winter hits, there are resources available for you. Your local Community Action Council can help. If you are on HEAP, or Home Energy Assistance Program, you will usually have to fill out an application every year to re-apply. On that application there is a section that asks you if you need help with weatherization. If you check yes in this box, HEAP, through the Community Action Council center, will give you resources for getting help with new windows, doors, and a furnace if need be.

Another resource to check out is your health insurance company. Our health insurance is through Care Source and recently they have contacted my husband and I asking if we needed any help with weatherization. If you have Care Source, they will assign a social worker who will come to your house and check your windows, doors, furnace, and see if anything else may be needed. If you don't have Care Source, contact The United Way, the Community Action Council, Department of Job and Family Services, and check your local churches or Rescue Mission and ask them if they have any available funds or know of anyone else who may be able to help. In this day and age with the low economy and the rise in unemployment, we can use all the extra help we can get.

Sources:

Personal experience
Community Action Council
Department of Job and Family Services- http://jfs.ohio.gov/