New income guidelines announced for Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program

Due to a change in income guidelines, more people will be eligible for assistance from the Green Impact Zone’s Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program (LIWAP). The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which funds the program through federal grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, announced the new guidelines effective April 14, 2011. Families with incomes up to 200 percent of poverty level may now qualify for the program.

“Weatherization not only helps low-income families lower their utility bills, but also helps conserve energy and protect the environment,” said Michelle Martin, senior coordinator of the Green Impact Zone LIWAP. “We hope these new income guidelines will encourage more people to apply for the program.”

Qualified applicants receive free energy analyses of their homes to identify necessary weatherization improvements. Energy analysts also do a cost/benefit analysis to ensure that recommended improvements meet state standards for cost effectiveness. Weatherization services may include sealing leaks around doors and windows, adding insulation, and repair — or in some cases replacement — of furnaces and air conditioners. Qualified homeowners receive weatherization services at no charge. Renters who meet income guidelines may also be eligible if their landlords agree to pay a small portion of the cost of improvements.

The Green Impact Zone LIWAP serves residents in the Green Impact Zone and surrounding Smart Grid Demonstration Area – from 35th to 52nd Streets, Main to Benton; and from 52nd to 56th Streets, Main to Troost. Residents of this area can apply by calling 816-936-8811 or visiting the Green Impact Zone office, 4600 Paseo, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Homeowners who live outside the Green Impact Zone LIWAP boundaries may also qualify for weatherization assistance through the city of Kansas City, Mo., or other MDNR grantees. Homeowners and business owners who don’t qualify for LIWAP may be able to get help with weatherization and other energy conservation measures through EnergyWorks KC, a collaborative effort by the city of Kansas City, Mo., KCP&L, Missouri Gas Energy, MARC and the Metropolitan Energy Center to create a one-stop resource for energy assistance in several Kansas City neighborhoods, including the Green Impact Zone.

The Green Impact Zone is a 150-square block area of Kansas City, Mo., that is the focus of targeted investments and innovative partnerships designed to transform distressed neighborhoods into a sustainable community. The initiative has received national recognition as a model for place-based strategies to improve the quality of life in declining neighborhoods, and has also been the driving force behind a number of federal grants awarded in the region in the past two years. The Mid-America Regional Council administers many of these grants and provides oversight for the initiative.