Lifestyles: Warm Hearts Warm Homes initiative

More than 200 Montana Conservation Corps members are working across the state to help some low-income residents weatherize their homes. In this week's Lifestyles Report, Beartooth NBC’s Kristin Price talks to members in our region about their preparations for Helena.

33 Montana Conservation Corps members and leaders are working to help weatherize homes in Helena, Butte and Great Falls as part of Governor Schweitzer's Warm Hearts, Warm Homes initiative.

“Anything from sealing up windows or gaps around doors, putting plastic wrap around windows. So that way the homes are more comfortable and also more energy efficient which lowers the energy bills for the homeowner,” says MCC project coordinator Jace Washburn.

MCC members are gearing up to install weatherization kits in about 120 Helena homes starting next week.

“We get a list of people who are eligible and then we call them up to let them know that this is available. Some people don't understand, or aren't aware of the reaches that we can do,” says Washburn.

Project coordinator Jace Washburn says this project is different because they see firsthand the impact their work has on people. But he says the program is more than just doing the work. Because most of the members come from outside Montana, they become part of the community.

“We have volunteer hours that people are required to do and that was important for someone like me who was interested in giving back but I was uncomfortable with it,” says Washburn.

“MCC's the best, it's so much fun out here along with what Jace said, it's a blast,” says MCC member Sam Kerstetter.

Weatherization help is available across the state. To apply for weatherization assistance in helena call 447-1625.

For assistance in other areas and for more information on lowering the cost of energy bills, visit serve.mt.gov

Story by Kristin Price, Beartooth NBC.
Copyright ©2011 Beartooth Communications Company. All Rights Reserved.