Section: Housing

How do prospective recipients apply? 

Come by our office located at 430 South Court St., Montgomery or call the toll-free number 1-866-780-4945 or (334)-262-4300.  Ask for the Weatherization office.  Answer a few preliminary questions to determine eligibility and ask for the “Weatherization Application packet” to be mailed to you.  You may download and print the Application and Cover Letter from this website.

What is the process? 

STEP 1: DETERMINE YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR WEATHERIZATION SERVICES

• • One of the primary factors affecting eligibility is income. Households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines are considered eligible for weatherization services or if they receive Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.
  • WAP Grantees also give priority to the elderly, families with one or more members with a disability, families with children, or high-energy users.

STEP 2: REQUEST, COMPLETE, & SUBMIT APPLICATION WITH REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• • Client requests an Application Packet from CARPDC, leaving their full mailing address and two contact numbers.
  • Application packet is mailed to client with instruction letter describing the necessary documentation which must accompany application. A completed application must be submitted with the following documents:
    • Proof of Income, such as pay stubs, Social Security, retirement or pension for ALL occupants. If Social Security is related to a Disability, please provide a copy of an award letter or statement showing the word ‘Disability’. For further information on proof of income, please refer to HHS’ Poverty Income Guidelines and Definition of Income.
    • Proof of Property Ownership, such as a copy of deed or property tax notification.
    • Proof of Residency, such as a copy of energy, electric, and/or gas utility bills, which must have the name and address of the home owner.
    • Identification record for all occupants, such as a copy of driver’s license and social security card.
    • Property Record Card, available from Court House or tax assessor’s office, which must show when home was built. N/A for mobile homes.
  • The completed application and ALL necessary documentation is mailed or hand-carried to this office, addressed to the following:

CARPDC Weatherization Program
430 South Court St.
Montgomery, AL 36104

STEP 3: APPLICATION REVIEW BY WEATHERIZATION SECTION

• • After receiving the completed application and required documentation/records, the application will be reviewed for program eligibility to receive Weatherization Services.
  • If determined eligible, the client file is prioritized per program guidelines and placed on the ranked prioritization list. All applicants with same priority point value are prioritized by date received.
  • Client will be notified of the application’s eligibility. Please remember that people who are most in need are often moved to the top of the priority list.

STEP 4: PREPARE FOR WEATHERIZATION SERVICES

• • When the client file migrates to top of list, an energy audit is scheduled. The energy audit will determine eligibility of the structure and needed energy efficiency measures to be installed. If the structure’s state of disrepair/dilapidation is beyond program scope, the home will be disqualified.
  • If eligible, client home is let out for contractor bid.
  • Contractor arranges an appointment date with the client and completes necessary Weatherization services and installations.
  • A final inspection will be scheduled and work reviewed for quality assurance and program compliance.
  • Client enjoys a more comfortable and more energy efficient home.

Does CARPDC have credentialed people on staff? 

The current program manager has been with WAP for over twelve years and possesses the following training certificates, certifications, and licenses:

• • 20 plus years previous residential construction experience
  • Building Performance Institute (BPI) certifications:
    • Quality Control Inspector (2014) – ANSI Certification
    • Building Analyst Professional
    • Envelope Professional
  • Licensed Home Inspector – Alabama license HI-4006
  • Certified Carbon Monoxide inspector
  • Certified Lead Renovator by Alabama Department of Public Health & EPA
  • Infrared Camera Training Certificate for Energy Applications
  • Certified in Mold Assessment and Remediation
  • ADECA Energy Code Training on International Residential Code (IRC) of 2009
  • Kansas Building Science Institute Inspector/Auditor graduate
  • Georgia Association of Home Inspectors (GAHI) Home Inspection Methods graduate
  • NRCERT Mobile Home Wx Training certificate – 2005
  • Completed Alabama Ethics Law training

For Autauga, Chilton, Dallas, Elmore, Macon, Montgomery, Perry, Russell, and Shelby County residents, please see links to application above.  For residents of all other Counties, please contact ADECA-ED, Weatherization Department.

For further information please email Jeannie Ward, Weatherization Clerk, or call 334-262-4300.

How does the Weatherization Program Work?

Weatherization Mission

To reduce energy costs for low-income families, particularly the elderly, the disabled and families with children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring health and safety. The ultimate goal is to keep our clients warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and safe all year long, all at a reduced cost to them. All single family, site built homes and mobile homes are eligible.

Weatherization Purpose

Weatherization is a Department of Energy (DOE) program, federally funded through ADECA, created in 1976 to retrofit low-income family homes to increase their energy efficiency, thereby reducing the household’s utility bills. It also enhances their comfort and mitigates any health and safety hazards to the household, such as carbon monoxide issues. The work is performed using the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available to the housing industry today. It is important to note that this program does NOT perform rehabilitation or remodeling work.

On average, Weatherization saves the household $283 in the first year alone, with these savings continually accruing for many years to come. Household utility usage is decreased on average by 35%. This savings directly leads to more disposable income for the household so other necessities, such as food and medication, may be more easily afforded. Learn more about the Federal Weatherization program here.

Eligibility Criteria

Alabama residents with an annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible for the program. DOE estimates that over 38 million households nationwide are eligible for the program. Otherwise qualifying applicants who rent are also eligible with the participation of the property owner/landlord; the property owner will be asked to pay a portion of the costs for the services provided to the home and will also be required to not increase the rent price for one (1) year from the date of the final inspection.

Services Provided 

The Alabama Weatherization Program follows a priority list when weatherizing homes. Typically, a home receives the following items:

CARPDC’s Progress

As of July 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) State Plan for the Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income households has allowed for major program expansion – the state of Alabama approved a budget of $47 million for Weatherization programs across the state to be used before July 1, 2027. This funding availability has been divided into 3 rounds:

1. 1. Ramp-Up Round: 15% of funds will be available beginning in December of 2022, to assist in staffing and training investments needed to match the program’s growth.
   2. Middle Round: 35% of funds will be made available after the previous funding round has been completed.
   3. Final Round: 50% of funds will be available to be utilized before July 1, 2027.

CARPDC’s Weatherization program has two service contracts for the upcoming 5 year period: for residents of Montgomery County, the state has attributed $2.3 million in funding; for residents of the other 8 counties in the service area, the state has attributed $3.3 million in funding. This will allow Weatherization to assist 600+ homes by July of 2027 (about 150+ homes per year, after the Ramp-Up round has been completed). CARPDC’s Weatherization Section has already begun moving on this opportunity, and has anticipated staffing needs to speed up production on current contracts and begin BIL Weatherization production before the initial Ramp-Up round has ended. 

How to Apply

Weatherization’s toll-free number is 1-866-780-4945 or one may call locally at (334)-262-4300. An application with step-by-step directions will be mailed to the homeowner. Additionally an application can be printed or downloaded here.   Homeowners submit the completed application with all necessary paperwork and eligibility is determined. It’s that easy!

To read more about this process, please see our page: Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).