Free energy audit can help GHA reduce its financial hardship

As many residents may be aware, the Greencastle Housing Authority is experiencing a financial hardship, but local people can help for free.

GHA is in the process of attempting to sell its building at 309 E. Franklin St. GHS is uncertain of when it will sell, and in turn is seeking all forms of help possible to keep the doors open.

Officials recently were informed of a funding source in Indiana called Energize Indiana, which allows GHA to earn $25 per single-family dwelling household that is energy assessed.

Any household in Indiana that is not an REMC electric customer is eligible.

A household can be one person or an entire family. However, it cannot be a multifamily unit that is if you live in an apartment that has someone below you or above you, you would not be eligible. If you live in a town home or single-story apartment unit, you are eligible.

If you rent or are a homeowner the assessment will take 30 minutes to one hour of your time, and it is free to you.

How it works:

1. Supply your name, address and phone number to Nicole Christlieb, GHA executive director, 309 E. Franklin St.,Greencastle; phone 653-8228.

2. She in turn will give this information to Energize Indiana.

3. Energize Indiana will contact you to set up an appointment to come and assess your home.

4. You have your home assessed, takes 30-60 minutes.

5. At completion you will receive an energy report and nine free light bulbs, two low-flow showerheads, two bathroom sink aerators, a kitchen sink aerators and pipe wrap.

GHA will receive a $25 check per household that completes an assessment.

Anyone interested is asked to email his or her information to Nicole.Christlieb@gcastleha.org. If you know others who would be willing to help, please share this information with them.

"Please keep in mind this would be beneficial to the 100-plus families we assist in Putnam County," Christlieb noted.