Help Families Save Money and Energy with the Home Energy Initiative
Nationwide, the average household spends about 3.5% of their monthly income on home energy costs, but in Minnesota some families are paying 20-30%. The Home Energy Initiative of Climate Impact Corps was launched last year to support Minnesotans who are eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program. Home Energy Initiative members like Derek help households reduce their home energy bills while improving indoor air quality and energy consumption!
Derek enjoys helping people and says he has always been drawn to causes that are bigger than himself. He was taking a break from college and looking for work when he heard about the Home Energy Initiative. “It seemed like an excellent opportunity to do meaningful work and develop job skills at the same time,” he says. “It may also lead to career opportunities.”
Home Energy Initiative members have the opportunity to shadow energy auditors and earn their BPI Building Analyst certification at no cost. This credential opens the door to many jobs and prepares members to launch a career in the green building sector.
Derek has been serving at the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington County since the end of August. In just two months, he is already seeing the positive impact he’s making. “Conserving energy is one of the most important ways we can reduce the carbon footprints on our daily lives, but it’s impossible to do alone,” Derek says. “I’m excited to help people save money and help the environment by conserving energy.”
For people like Derek who have a passion for climate change, he says the Home Energy Initiative is a great opportunity to gain experience, get training, and be part of really important work. “We’re empowering people in our communities to reduce their energy bills with cost-effective improvements they may or may not have been able to afford on their own,” said Derek.
If you are interested in helping communities prepare for climate change by promoting household energy efficiency and solar energy, apply today! 12 Home Energy Initiative Members are still needed across the state. Visit ampact.us/home-energy to learn more about how you can make an impact.
About the Home Energy Initiative
As part of Climate Impact Corps, AmeriCorps members are trained to help income-eligible homeowners and renters access free services to make sure their homes are healthy, safe and energy efficient places to live. Home Energy members provide services like energy efficiency education, energy audits, solar assessments and education. Potential weatherization services can help decrease annual energy costs by up to 30% and include updates like programmable thermostats, exterior wall and attic insulation, air leak reduction, furnace, boiler, and water heater repair or replacement. Launched in 2021, the Home Energy Initiative served 1,200 households during its first year.
Last year, members served more than 1200 households!
Members are still needed in the following communities:
Apply by December 14 to begin serving in January 2023.