Galveston Historical Foundation Seeking Applications from Galveston Island Historic Homeowners Who Want to Save on Utility Bills

Weatherization Grants Available For Low- to Moderate-Income Homeowners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2010
CONTACT: Molly Dannenmaier
Director of Marketing and Public Relations,
409-765-7834 (o); 409-771-5105 (c)

Weatherization Grants Available For Low- to Moderate-Income Homeowners

GALVESTON, TX - Galveston Historical Foundation is taking applications from qualified Galveston Island homeowners for grants to help them cut their energy use and their utility bills at the same time. GHF is combining Community Development Block Grants from the City of Galveston’s Grants and Housing Department and money GHF received under the Partners in the Field program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and focusing these funds on helping low- to moderate-income historic homeowners make their houses more energy efficient.

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GHF hopes to help as many as 12 families weatherize their homes and save considerably on energy expenses during the next year. The homes must be at least 50 years old for participation in the program.

“Some of the things we’ll be doing include weather-stripping and repairing windows and doors, installing attic insulation and improving attic ventilation,” said GHF project coordinator Matt Farragher.

Depending on their household incomes, successful applicants will have to pay between $25 and $200 to participate. “That is a pretty moderate expense, considering that applicants will get maybe $3,000 to $5,000 of weatherization work on their houses,” Farragher said.

Owners of rental and commercial property are not eligible for participation. Grant eligibility is based on the total incomes of all people who live in the homes for which grants are being sought. GHF will follow the same U.S. Housing and Urban Development income guidelines that the City of Galveston uses for the distribution of funds.

In addition to income requirements for eligibility, GHF is focusing on houses that are at least 50 years old.

Applications for the grants are available here. People can also call Farragher’s office at 409-765-3424 or email him at matt.farragher@galvestonhistory.org for applications and information about eligibility. People also can pick up an application at GHF headquarters, located in the 1861 Custom House, 20th and Postofffice streets, in downtown Galveston.