WEATHERIZATION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
and the
HEATING AND AIR REPAIR
AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

The Weatherization Assistance Program (available in Mecklenburg and Union Counties) is designed to assist in achieving a prescribed level of energy conservation measures in the homes of those individuals assisted who are income eligible (Federal Poverty Guidelines). Free weatherization improvements and minor home repairs may include attic and floor insulation, door and window weather stripping or replacement, replacement of broken windows, and the caulking of cracks. These services are designed to help clients conserve energy within the home, thus saving them money from energy costs, and allowing the access funds to be utilized in other important areas. As part of these services, heating and cooling systems may also be repaired or replaced for homeowners (The Heating and Air Repair and Replacement Program).

As of July 1st, CAF began utilizing a point system upon execution of the WAP and HARRP. Each application is assigned a score based on the following categories.

• Elderly (over age 60) - 5 points
  
• Disabled (proof of disability) - 5 points
  
• Families with children under age - 5 points
  
• High energy burdened (30% of household income and above) - 5 points
  
• Native Americans - 4 points
  
• High energy burdened - (23% to 29% of household income) - 4 points
  
• High energy burdened - (16% to 22% of household income) - 3 points
  
• High energy burdened - (10% to 15% of household income) - 2 points
  
• No heat - 4 points
  
• Primary fuel utilized is electricity - 5 points
  
• Primary fuel utilized is heating oil or propane - 3 points
  
• Applicant on waiting list for two years or more - 4 points
  
• Applicant on waiting list from 1 to 2 years - 2 points
  
• Household income below 75% of poverty level - 5 points
  
• Household income below 76% to 100% of poverty level - 4 points
  
• Household income below 101% to 125% of poverty level - 3 points
  
• Household income below 126% to 150% of poverty level - 2 points

If the applicant qualifies for more than one category, the scores of the categories are added together to get one score. When applicants' scores are equal, the next factor in the weighing system used to determine priority is the date of the completed application. Those applicants with the same score and an earlier application date are placed on the waiting list ahead of those with the same score with a later application date.

We also seek assistance from the Landlord's (Owners) of the units we weatherize. We often forward them a letter describing the service to be provided to the eligible tenant and request 25% of the total cost of the weatherization services.

Our outreach methods to identify clients eligible for WAP and HARRP assistance include a presence at job fairs, community events and meetings, networking meetings, churches and weekly/monthly contact with agency representatives. CAF's staff, inclusive of the Energy Department Project Manager and Intake Records Clerk and the agency's Human Resources/Fund Raising Specialist, make program presentations on a weekly basis. The staff, in particular, targets those agencies and organizations that provide services to the WAP/HARRP priority population. The programs utilize the media as much as possible to advertise the programs. Programs literature is placed in locations such as convenient stores, laundry mats, churches, recreation centers, and other high traffic places within low-income areas.

CAF advises homeowners about lead base paint when it is determined that the house was constructed before 1978, the house has not been determined to be lead-based paint free, or any of the interior or exterior painted surfaces are disturbed. If it is determined that lead base paint is present in the home where weatherization services are being rendered, we take every precaution to protect the environment and workers. If we expect that the providing services will in any way jeopardize the safety of the residents or workers, the work may be deferred. If this is the case, the resident is informed of the decision in writing, including the reasons services are being deferred, and a copy of the letter is included in the client's folder.

If services are rendered in homes where we suspect or detect the presence of lead base paint, we treat the materials as hazardous waste following the OSHA regulations. We will proceed with caution, using techniques to treat the hazardous material. We also provide publications to the homeowners regarding lead safe practices.