View from the Field: Restoring Homes & Communities with Weatherization

Today is National Weatherization Day! “Weatherization” is a term you may have heard in the news lately – the process aims to keep individuals and families safe and comfortable while lowering their gas and electric bills. When a building is weatherized, the structure and heating systems are either repaired or replaced to increase energy efficiency and control the temperature. The result is that it will take less energy (and money) to heat or cool your home. In addition, weatherization helps creates local job and training opportunities, fights climate change, and improves overall home health and safety.  CEDA is proud to provide Home Weatherization as a free program to income-eligible clients throughout the Chicagoland area.

Many homes in our communities were built before energy efficient buildings were common. Weatherization can update them by installing the latest energy saving measures to reduce energy costs, create healthier indoor environments, and make homes more comfortable. CEDA’s program can update home heating systems, seal drafty areas, and improve insulation for attics, walls, basements and crawl spaces. Since many families are struggling with their finances due to COVID-19 and the current economic recession, every penny makes a difference, which is why energy efficiency can be an essential tool in helping families stay afloat during this crisis.

Bringing Training, Job Skills, and Climate Equity to the Chicagoland

At a time of historic unemployment, weatherization programs can help revitalize local economies through job creation and training opportunities. Almost 100,000 teens and young adults in Chicagoland are currently neither in school nor working, lacking the skills and education well-paying careers require. CEDA’s Home Weatherization program trains and certifies workers with the skills required to get the job done. This experience can result in a lifelong career in home weatherization or as a transferrable skill to other industries, since the technical nature of repairing and replacing home structures and heating systems requires workers with in-demand skills. CEDA is in the process of developing a 35,000 square foot training center in South Holland, IL.

We can’t talk about weatherization without mentioning climate change and climate justice. Catastrophic weather events this year have made it clear that we urgently need to take action to stop climate change. Home energy consumption is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which means finding ways to make our homes more energy efficient is crucial in this fight. In addition, low-income individuals and families are more likely to live in homes that are not properly weatherized. Not only are their bills impacted, but they are more likely to struggle with the extreme temperatures climate change brings. Weatherization is not the only solution but is a critical step on the path to sustainability and equity.

Apply for Our Program

CEDA’s Home Weatherization program operates year-round and provides these services for free to qualifying clients. If you’re interested in learning more or would like to apply, please visit https://www.cedaorg.net/find-services/home-weatherization/.