People Working Cooperatively brings home energy help to Hoosier state

Homeowners in five Indiana counties will soon benefit from home energy improvements—even if hard times make it hard to pay. People Working Cooperatively, the Cincinnati-based home improvement non-profit, has received a $1.8 million-dollar grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA). IHDCA awarded the funds out of the state’s $132 million federal stimulus energy-conservation package. Its mission statement, “growing Indiana’s economy starts at home,” reflects a core belief in safe, affordable housing. Since 1975, People Working Cooperatively has fulfilled a similar mission in 13 Ohio and Kentucky counties. It provides elderly, disabled, and lower-income homeowners with home repairs, maintenance, and weatherization. Over 34 years, PWC’s professional staff and 6,000 volunteers have assisted 175,000 Tri-State residents. “We’re excited to expand our services outside of our traditional coverage area into a significant part of Indiana,” said Jock Pitts, president of PWC. “It’s a milestone for PWC and an opportunity for the most vulnerable residents of Indiana to receive the help they need to live safely in their own homes.” The grant money allows PWC to conduct home energy audits and install equipment—as low-tech as caulk, and as high-tech as LED lights and programmable thermostats. Some residents may also qualify for new furnaces or hot-water heaters. Pitts is proud to run PWC as “a business that provides a charity.” “We currently receive funding from various state, county, United Way, private, foundation and corporate sources. This means we adhere to strict production goals, budget constraints and cost-effectiveness benchmarks. We’re extremely proud to continually meet and exceed our service level agreements.” He believes PWC’s Indiana contract will help the nonprofit expand into other national markets. Writer: Elena Stevenson Source: People Working Cooperatively