This post is also available in: Spanish
When you think of homelessness and energy efficiency – you might not see how the two are connected, but when assessing your own expenses – you will see that your utility bill is one of your priciest expenses.
Energy costs in some parts of the country are leading to evictions due to utility cut-offs. This expense continues to burden the poor and cause homelessness; therefore, HUD understands that addressing the issue of energy conservation isn’t simply about being green, saving energy will strengthen our communities, and increase monthly savings that will allow our homeowners and housing residents to keep their homes.
In the last two weeks HUD has announced over $220 million to go towards new local homeless programs that will help to keep individuals and families off the streets and energy-efficient upgrades for aging apartment complexes to lower financial burden for it’s occupants and provide opportunities for low-income residents. Two separate HUD programs working under a united front to use housing as a platform for improving the quality of life and protecting the people.
Visit HUD’s website for detailed information on HUD programs that help homeless individuals and families quickly transition to self-sufficiency and permanent housing; and HUD’s energy initiatives that promote energy efficiency in homes and decrease the financial burden for families once they have made that transition.
I have worked in professional positions , including HUD and FEMA. Today I’m 69, am disabled due to brain problem, I go from functioning at high caliber to not able to function. I have a voucher, I think, THE HOUSING SPECIALIST HAS NOT MADE TIME TO ASSIST ME, I have not seen her and she is not able to show me an apartment for me, FOR 2 MONTHS NOW, I HAVW 24 DAYS TO MOVE AND SHE IS GOING ON VACATION. The APARTMENT SHE TOOK ME TO CALL MY FUTURE HOME WAS A SWARM OF ACTIVE DRUG USERS. I DO NOT WANT TO BE, OR MY VISITORS EXPOSED TO THAT PRESENCE. I AM BETTER THAN THE LOWEST STANDARDS OF LIFE, I HAVE USED MY LIFE FOR THE BETTERMENT FOR THE NEEDY, NOW I AM IN NEED WITHOUT ANY. I ALSO HAVE A MEDICAL ALERT DOG, AND HOUSING ISN’T AWARE OF THE PARTICULARS. HIRE ME, I WANT TO WORK. LET ME EDUCATE OUR NEIGHBORS ABOUT THE ADA. I CAN HELP, PLEASE HELP ME, NOW, HERE.