Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity: DHCR Honors National Weatherization Day with Events Around the State

ALBANY, NY (10/29/2009)(readMedia)-- On October 30th, the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) will participate in Weatherization Day activities across the state in recognition of New York's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which has improved more than 500,000 homes of low-income residents since its inception in 1977.

Events will include press conferences and open houses and tours of weatherization work completed and in progress.WAP subgrantees will demonstrate various weatherization techniques and display materials such as insulation. DHCR representatives will read a proclamation from Governor Paterson, and event participants will be available for interviews.

As winter approaches, residents across New York are turning up the thermostats, but for many low-income individuals and families staying warm in the winter is not an affordable option. It's not uncommon for low-income families to pay 15% or more of their monthly income for utility costs. But New York State's Weatherization Assistance Program can help by reducing energy consumption and costs for income-eligible families.

DHCR administers the WAP in New York State, providing materials and services such as air sealing, insulation, and repairs and upgrades to heating systems. New York State received $394 Million in WAP funds under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-more than any state in the nation-to weatherize at least 45,000 homes. Since September, 52 contracts worth $167.4 million, or nearly 80 percent of the 67 contracts, have been signed.

DHCR Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen said, "New York State is a national leader in energy efficiency and in making the homes of low-income families more affordable with its long-standing and successful Weatherization Assistance Program. The state's network of WAP subgrantees are providing residents across the state with energy-saving services, making homes safer and more affordable. DHCR is proud to help showcase weatherization work during National Weatherization Day and remind people that weatherization works."

October 30 Weatherization Day Open Houses and Tours

Latham, NY

When: 11:00 a.m.

Where: 19 Nelson Street, Latham NY (private residence of elderly woman)

What: Weatherization activity taking place: insulation will be blown into the attic cavity by Albany Community Action Partnership and a blower door will be on display in the yard. Albany Community Action Partnership will demonstrate and display various diagnostic equipment and different types of insulation materials used, as well as a new direct-vent boiler. On-street parking and refreshments.

Who: Albany Community Action Partnership, DHCR Executive Deputy Brian Lawlor, local community partners and officials.

Contact Michelle Bowan 518-463-3175 ext. 101

Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, NY

When: 10:30 a.m. press conference

11:30 a.m. tour of weatherization work by Community Environmental Center staff and tour of solar thermal hot water system

Where: 553 Glenmore Avenue, Brooklyn, NY (by subway: C to Van Siclen, north to Glenmore)

What: Press conference, tour of a six-family apartment building undergoing weatherization

Who: Richard Cherry, President and CEO of Community Environmental Center; Gregory Watson, Assistant Commissioner of DHCR; Representatives from Change to Win and Local 10, Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) will participate as will Green City Force, a new organization that blends service-learning and job training to help build a sustainable future and connect young people to careers in the emerging green economy.

TOUR SPACE LIMITED, interested media should contact Lynne Serpe at 718-784-1444 x 120

Utica, NY

When: 10:30 a.m.

Where: Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, 9882 River Rd., Utica, NY

What: Press conference and multiple diagnostic and technical demonstrations, photo displays, tours of displays and demonstrations, and reception

Who: Dan Buyer, Assistant Commissioner DHCR; Amy Turner, Executive Director MVCAA; MVCAA staff; representatives of state, federal, and local partners

Contact Mary VanValkenburgh at 315-624-9930 ext 278 or Gene Allen at ext. 286

-30-