Teaming Up to Energize a Community

Cooler temperatures are a signal to many Alexandria residents that it is time to prepare their homes for the winter. However, for low-income homeowners, many of whom are elderly, disabled, or veterans, the cost and effort involved in the seasonal upkeep of a home is often beyond their financial and physical capabilities. 

Necessary repairs are not always obvious.  Inside homes with normal exteriors, owners may be coping with a variety of problems that will worsen during cold weather. That’s why Rebuilding Together Alexandria and Fannie Mae volunteers recently partnered to make energy efficient updates and do other upgrades for residents of the Arlandria Chirilagua Housing Cooperative.  Since a majority of the residents—most of whom are homeowners—are Latino, we made sure to have translators on hand so that we could communicate better with those we were helping.

Throughout the day at the 278 unit housing co-op complex, Fannie Mae employees assembled and delivered energy efficiency kits.  The kits contained a variety of simple ideas and directions and some energy efficient tools such as insulation for light switches.  The goal was to help co-op owners make easy improvements in their unit to reduce utility bills.  In fact, two years ago when we last delivered kits, we noticed a 24% reduction in utility bills.

These energy-saving and money-saving tips are something everyone can do for neighbors in need (or themselves) and include:

1.        Installing a programmable thermostat to lower utility bills

2.     Insulating attic hatches

3.     Air drying dishes

4.     Setting water heater to 120 degrees

5.     Replacing regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps

6.     Installing ‘foam gaskets’ for electrical outlets 

7.     Covering AC and Hot Water Tanks 

8.     Caulking around doors and windows 

9.     Using power strips

10.   Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets

In addition, volunteers painted walls and handrails on three levels of a housing building, giving the residents a fresh and updated living environment. The building had not been painted since 1985! They also installed bike racks.

These upgrades were important since low-income housing tends to be in poor condition and energy inefficient, often resulting in vulnerable homeowners spending three times the average for heating and electricity.  

As winter approaches, consider joining us to help a neighbor in need or use the tips above (or visit our web site—www.rebuildingtogetheralex.org—for project ideas) and do it on your own. A few simple acts can change a life, save energy, and help strengthen our community.