Weatherization assistance provides:

• funds to reduce the heating and cooling costs and to ensure health and safety such as: window replacement, heating system upgrades, insulation, efficient lighting, ventilation fans;

• services for lower-income households, particularly for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families with children.

The counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton; Cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach are served by the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project located 2551 Almeda Avenue in Norfolk (Roger Gallup at 757-858-1397 or e-mail Wx2@att.net). The counties of Surry and Sussex are served by Crater District Area Agency on Aging located at 23 Seyler Drive in Petersburg (804-732-7020 or e-mail weatherization@aol.com). In order to receive assistance, the first step is to contact the agency and let them know that you are interested in applying for assistance under the weatherization program.

A meeting will be scheduled at your home to perform an energy audit and determine the best energy-saving measures that are cost-effective, healthy, and safe.

The work is provided at no cost to you. Homeowners and renters may apply.

Visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov/HousingPreservationRehabilitation/Weatherization_FAQs.htm for more information.

The new guidelines for income eligibility as of January 23, 2009, are: