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The United States Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) was created in 1976, to assist low-income families whose unweatherized homes consumed high amounts of energy. They lack the resources to satisfy all of their basic living needs, much less address urgently needed repairs to their aging houses and mobile homes. Centro Campesino has weatherized/rehabilitated the homes of low-income families in Collier, Desoto, Hendry, Highlands, Glades, Okeechobee, Charlotte, and Hardee Counties for the last 25 years. Centro Campesino served 1047 households during a 3.5 year period with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Chris Barraza, Manager, Testing/Quality Assurance is one of the most experienced weatherization professionals in the state of Florida. Under his leadership, Centro Campesino has weatherized 5000 homes for rural families. Families of very low-income expend a high percentage (about 17%) of their annual income on utility bills, due to their inability to maintain energy efficient homes. Their houses have ill-fitting doors and windows, in which heat and cool air escape.  They have old or nonexistent insulation or weather stripping, poorly operating out-of-date appliances and air-conditioning systems. This results in in excessive utility bills without providing their families with basic comfort. images_PicMonkey CollageThe Weatherization Assistance Program allows Centro Campesino to oversee the weatherization/rehab of homes for eligible families utilizing licensed contractors.  Every effort is made to encourage bids on these projects from contractors within the counties in which the work takes place.  All work is inspected by Centro Campesino and building and code enforcement departments in each county. To obtain information on how to bid on projects please contact Jorge Barrios, Director of Construction Services, at 305-245-7738 Ext: 232 or e-mail him at jbarrios@ccfcfl.org.

We are currently serving Hendry, Highlands, Hardee, Glades, Desoto, Lee and Collier counties. Repairs are made at no cost to homeowners or tenants. Program guidelines apply and priority ranking is given to homeowners/renters who are elderly, disabled, have high energy burdens and whose households include children under the age of twelve.

Anyone wishing to obtain an application for weatherization/rehab services may download the forms now, or contact Marixa Figueroa at 305-245-7738, ext. 236, email inquiries can be sent to mfigueroa@ccfcfl.org.

You can download your application today! Make sure to follow the instructions carefully on the application check list to prevent delays.

Tips for saving energy and money at home!

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