Putnam RISE to help weatherize low-income homes

The Putnam RISE weatherization team is planning to make low-income homes more affordable and comfortable through energy efficiency upgrades. One home will be selected for a "Green Home Makeover," including four Shuee & Sons Great Buys appliances and more than $10,000 in additional investments.

Low-income residents are encouraged to pick up applications at Greencastle City Hall, Greencastle Presbyterian Church, New Providence Church Food Pantry, Bainbridge Town Hall or on the Putnam RISE website at www.putnamrise.org. The priority deadline for the Green Home Makeover project is July 1.

All 21 homes selected for weatherization, including the Green Home Makeover property, will receive full energy audits and testing from Roachdale's Energy Conservation Solutions (ECS), which has done significant weatherization contracting for the State of Indiana.

Bill Mentgen, president of ECS, has agreed to donate his equipment and expertise in providing the audit analysis.

"This program offers a great opportunity to help people who need it most in our community," Mentgen said. "ECS can offer a valuable service, assessing not only the energy efficiency of the home, but also related health and safety issues."

Based on the ECS audit recommendations, Putnam RISE will take various steps to weatherize the homes, including foam air-sealing, attic and outlet insulation and caulking.

The Green Home Makeover property will receive the largest investment. Shuee & Sons Great Buys is donating energy efficient appliances, including a clothes washer and drier, refrigerator and dishwasher.

The Putnam RISE weatherization project is led by Cathryn Ensley and Wes Kendall. In addition to the weatherization work, Putnam RISE also includes an Energy Challenge for our school corporation communities, a "Buy Local Bucks" incentive for energy efficiency-related purchases and an Energy Savings Pledge that more than 1,300 Putnam County households have completed since Feb. 1.

For more information, please visit www.putnamrise.org.