08-10-1992 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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.. • ■ A”'"* ft' i#- ■n ■- psi:. Ta V '■ <^V JVS (t,. A •'< The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) serves suburban and rural Hennepin County. The program assists low income households in paying their home energy bills. EAP also has funds to assist low income homeowners with energy related repairs, such as fixing furnaces, replacing broken windows and doors, etc. WHHS has had increases in the number of households served in each of the last four years. From fiscal year ’88 to fiscal year ’92 applications rose in the suburban area by 16 percent. During this same time period applications statewide have decreased by 7 percent. For the 1991-92 heating season. Energy Assistance served 4,394 households comprised of 12,918 individuals. Applications in the suburban area increased by about one-half percent, while statewide applications declined by 5 percen:. Because of transportation difficulties in suburban Hennepin, WHHS has continued to operate the Energy Assistance program using over 20 decentralized sites. This is made possible through the assistance of approximately 60 volunteers who generously contribute over 4,000 hours per heating season. We have also published 4 issues of "Helping Hands" a quarterly newsletter for low income residents of suburban Hennepin County. Because of delays in the funding for EAP this year WHHS was able to raise emergency funds for a small number of households and 500 gallons of fuel oil was donated assisting 3 families who would have been without heat without this donation. In 1991, our Emergency Services Program provided food to 3,181 people; shelter and rent to 490 people; utility assistance to 326 people; clothing and prescription assistance to 46 people. This program is designed to provide assistance to people in crisis who are without other resources. It is a cooperative effort with STEP, Interfaiih Outreach, ..iterchurch Community Association, and Westonka Community Action Network. WHHS has been conducting an outreach campaign to west suburban police departments to inform them about the program and train them to provide emergency services after hours when the local provider is closed. The Home Energy Check-up Program is a residential energy audit service providing a quick practical assessment of home energy usage, hands on instruction about weatherization techniques, a discussion of sensible conservation investments, a kit of materials and a follow up visit or call. Northern States Power sponsors this program which is free to its residential customers. WHHS has provided 2000 residential energy conservation audits in over 18 suburban hennepin communities since January, 1991 and over 5,200 audits since the program start in 1986. Successfully applied to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for a 513,000 Capacity Building Grant to assist WHHS to more effectively address the housing needs of low income persons and families within its service area by establishing a nonprofit housing corporation and developing plans to create affordable housing for low income households.