Home Four Valley organizations awarded funding to provide energy efficiency upgrades
Local News

Four Valley organizations awarded funding to provide energy efficiency upgrades

Rebecca Barnabi
power grid electricity
(© yelantsevv – stock.adobe.com)

The Climate Action Alliance of the Valley has awarded $35,000 to several area non-profit organizations in support of its partnership with Community Housing Partners Energy Solutions.

The funding also furthers CAAV’s work providing no-cost weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades to area residents.

In late 2022, CAAV formed a coalition with Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalists (HUU), Shenandoah Valley Faith and Climate (SVFC), and 50by25 Harrisonburg (50by25). The purpose was to help eligible homeowners and renters learn about weatherization and energy efficiency efforts in our area.

“These collaborations are exciting for CAAV because home weatherization sits at the intersection of addressing climate issues, reducing energy bills, and improving health and safety in our community,” Andrew Payton, chair of the steering committee of CAAV, said. “Collaborating with area organizations serving those most energy burdened is going to help connect more families to these opportunities and improve lives.”

CHP Energy Solutions, the state designated non-profit weatherization provider for the Shenandoah Valley, provides no-cost home energy improvements and upgrades for qualifying renters and homeowners. In 2023, CHP Energy Solutions completely weatherized all 112 affordable housing townhomes in Mosby Heights, along with dozens of area mobile homes, stick built homes and apartments. However, awareness and adoption of programs locally remain low. To help increase awareness and local applications to CHP programs, HUU donated $3,500 to fund a pilot project with Harrisonburg non-profit Comité Salvadoreño Paisanos Unidos (COSPU). Since June 2023, COSPU has used the funding to promote programs in the communities they serve, and several community members are set to receive improvements in 2024.

Based on the success with the initial pilot program and after soliciting proposals from numerous area organizations who serve disadvantaged renters and homeowners, CAAV selected four organizations to receive grant funding to connect members with CHP Energy Solutions’ Programs. The organizations selected are:

Comité Salvadoreño Paisanos Unidos (COSPU)

Friendship Industries Inc/Able Solutions Inc

United Way of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

Valley Program for Aging Services

From January to May 2024, each organization will provide outreach to clients to encourage and help them apply for CHP services. CAAV and CHP will provide training and guidance throughout the process.

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca J. Barnabi is the national editor of Augusta Free Press. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, she began her journalism career at The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star. In 2013, she was awarded first place for feature writing in the Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia Awards Program, and was honored by the Virginia School Boards Association’s 2019 Media Honor Roll Program for her coverage of Waynesboro Schools. Her background in newspapers includes writing about features, local government, education and the arts.

Latest News

george mason
Basketball, Sports

George Mason rallies, beats Saint Joseph’s, to stay atop A-10 standings

isaac mckneely uva basketball
Basketball, Sports

Five Observations: UVA Basketball gets more good offense in road win

Credit is due to interim UVA Basketball coach Ron Sanchez and the staff for figuring out a new formula to get wins.

Daytona 500 Odds, Picks, & How To Bet
NASCAR

Daytona 500 Odds, Picks, & How To Bet

The NASCAR Cup chase will begin with the 2025 Daytona 500 on Saturday. The 67th annual Daytona 500 promises to be one of the most exciting races of the season, and the best NASCAR betting sites are giving away free bets and bonus cash for the big race. Learn how to bet on the 2025...

uva basketball
Basketball, Sports

Live Coverage: UVA Basketball grits out 73-70 win at Virginia Tech

How To Bet On The Daytona 500 in Florida
Sports News

How To Bet On The Daytona 500 in Florida

How To Bet On The Daytona 500 in South Carolina
Sports News

How To Bet On The Daytona 500 in South Carolina

5 Best Betting Apps for the 2025 Daytona 500
Sports News

5 Best Betting Apps for the 2025 Daytona 500