WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM RECEIVES $58K IN CARES ACT FUNDING

The Weatherization department at Ozark Action, Inc. (OAI) has received an extra $58,000 in funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The $58,842 in CARES Act money is being provided through one of the main funding sources for the OAI Weatherization program, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and is part of a nearly $2 million boost in LIHEAP weatherization funding for the state of Missouri. The funding was administered through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources-Division of Energy (DNR DE) and the Missouri Department of Social Services.
“We are thrilled to bring over $58,000 in economic activity to the region,” OAI Housing Division Director Ed Button stated. “Ozark Action is extremely grateful to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for trusting us with this money to help those among us who need the most help.”
The weatherization program, funded by the Missouri DNR DE and LIHEAP, offers a comprehensive home energy audit and utility-lowering home improvements to low-income residents in Howell, Douglas, Ozark, Wright, Texas, and Oregon counties at no cost to the client. Program benefits include a free pre- and post-weatherization energy audit, free insulation work, and should the audit call for the improvements, free minor home repairs, free heating system repairs, free window repairs, and an overall improved quality of life. Weatherization work through OAI is based on income. Restrictions apply.
OAI crews started going back into homes to weatherize on July 6, 2020 following roughly two months of weatherization inactivity due to the pandemic. During that down time, OAI officials developed extra precautionary measures to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, including pre-work screenings, face masks, extra hand washing, paperwork scanning, tool sanitization, and other methods.
OAI is still not allowing the public to enter the facility at 710 E. Main St. in West Plains except for some services, such as fingerprinting. To help with the increased demand of services from residents in the region, a new foyer is nearing completion of construction. The foyer, located in the same area as the previous, temporary foyer to the right of the main entrance, will include two meeting rooms to assist clients with paperwork or answer general questions about the programs offered through OAI.
People seeking to fill out an application for housing or weatherization assistance, or one of the other many programs offered at Ozark Action, will need to make an appointment by calling Ozark Action at 417-256-6147. 
 

Howell County News

110 W. Main St.,
Willow Springs, MO 65793
417-252-2123

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