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Project Spotlight: Ellsworth Housing

Multiple Programs Involved with Improvements to Ellsworth Home

Multiple programs were involved in the recent improvements to this Ellsworth home. (Courtesy Photo)

When Elizabeth George purchased her Ellsworth home, the list of needed improvements was long. Fortunately for her, the timing was perfect to participate in the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing rehabilitation project.

The City of Ellsworth was awarded funds for a CDBG housing project in 2018. The CDBG program is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

George also participated in the First Time Home Buyer Program and received Weatherization Assistance. Both programs are administered by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.

“The George home really showcases what can be achieved when multiple programs are involved,” NCRPC Housing Director Carol Torkelson said.

North Central Regional Planning Commission completed the inspection for the First Time Home Buyer program and administered the CDBG project for the City of Ellsworth. It also operates the Weatherization Assistance Program in a 41-county service area—including Ellsworth County.

“The timing of all three programs worked out really well,” Torkelson said. “Running the Weatherization Assistance program along with the city’s CDBG Housing Rehabilitation project also helped maximize the use of funds for both programs and helped get a home up to the state standards.”

The City of Ellsworth was awarded a previous CDBG housing rehabilitation project in 2014 and understood the potential benefits for its citizens.

“A lot of times, citizens have full intentions and desire to update or fix problems with their homes, but it is just not financially feasible,” Ellsworth Mayor Mark Kennedy said. “For a small financial commitment from the city, we can see tangible evidence of benefit in an area of need.”

The majority of the work done on the George home included replacing windows, replacing exterior doors as needed, and various insulation measures to improve energy efficiency. The improvements have helped lower George’s utility bills while increasing her peace of mind and pride in her home.

“I feel as a resident of a community that has taken part in the CDBG program, it has only improved our community,” George said. “It is a great thing to see neighborhoods come back to life and know that you had a part in it.”

There are many great things happening in North Central Kansas. The Project Spotlight series features projects around the region to share ways communities have solved challenges. To view more Project Spotlights, visit https://www.ncrpc.org/tag/project-spotlight/.

This article appeared in the July 2020 NCRPC Newsletter.


Program Helps Reduce Energy Costs

The NCRPC administers the Weatherization Assistance Program for 41 Kansas counties. Since 1979, more than 14,500 homes have received assistance through NCRPC.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, households that receive weatherization services experience average annual energy cost savings of $283. A Trego County resident knows firsthand the financial impact of the Weatherization Assistance Program.

When the Trego County client applied for weatherization assistance, her home had many broken windows, an old HVAC system, and high utility costs. She also felt the financial burden of needing to have items in her home repaired and upgraded.

The client turned to NCRPC for assistance. The organization is one of four contracted weatherization service providers in Kansas. The Weatherization Assistance Program helps reduce energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety.

After the client’s application was approved and the home inspected, work could begin. Measures that were installed in the Trego County home include a new 92% forced air furnace with ductwork, new windows, high/low combustion vents, more efficient lighting, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, venting an exhaust fan to the exterior, as well as various air sealing measures. According to the client, there has been great improvement in her utility usage as well as the comfort and condition of her home since weatherization was completed. It has also allowed her to turn her focus toward other items of her home that need attention.

The NCRPC administers the Weatherization Assistance Program for 41 Kansas counties. Since 1979, more than 14,500 homes have received assistance through NCRPC.

Eligibility for the program is based solely on income. Funding for this program is provided by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP).

October marks Energy Action Month and October 30 is recognized as Weatherization Day.

To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit www.ncrpc.org/services/housing/weatherization/.

This article appeared in the September 2019 NCRPC Newsletter.


Program Helps Lower Household Energy Costs

Colder weather has arrived and one Smith County resident is appreciating the energy efficiency improvements made to her home through the Weatherization Assistance Program.

The Weatherization Assistance Program helps reduce energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety.

Measures that were installed in the Smith County home include a new 95% mobile home forced air furnace, insulation, windows, LED light bulbs, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, venting to the exterior a dryer vent and exhaust fan, as well as various air sealing measures. According to the client, there has been a significant difference in the comfort of her home as well as the cost of utilities since weatherization was completed.

The NCRPC administers the Weatherization Assistance Program for 42 Kansas counties. Since 1979, more than 14,500 homes have received assistance through NCRPC.

Eligibility for the program is based solely on income. Funding for this program is provided by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit www.ncrpc.org/services/housing/weatherization/.

This article appeared in the November 2018 NCRPC Newsletter.


Weatherization Program Helps Lower Bills

National Weatherization Day 2017 is October 30. In recognition we are featuring how one local Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) client was positively impacted by the program.

Weatherization Works LogoImprovements to a North Central Kansas home made through the Weatherization Assistance Program have made a big difference for one homeowner.

Living on a limited income following a family death made it difficult for this elderly homeowner to keep up with necessary home repairs. Having lived in the home for more than 45 years, the resident’s primary concern when applying for the Weatherization Assistance Program was the home’s furnace.

Ultimately the application for assistance was approved and improvements were made to the home. In addition to a new high efficiency furnace, the home also received insulation and air sealing measures. Previously the attics had only 3 1/2” to 6” of insulation and no sidewall insulation.

Energy efficiency improvements helped this local homeowner.

Utility bills for this North Central Kansas home were drastically reduced after energy efficiency improvements were made last spring through the Weatherization Assistance Program.

The project was completed in March 2016. Since that time, the homeowner has been amazed at the difference these improvements have made. The house is no longer drafty, utility bills have been cut in half, and there is now a credit on the homeowner’s level-payment system.

For more information about the Weatherization Program the NCRPC administers in a 42-county area in Kansas, click here.


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