Best Practices

For over 40 years, Housing Resources of Western Colorado (HRWC) has been committed to expanding its services and strategic objectives to include more resilient housing. To facilitate this goal, they continuously explore programs to help build existing resources, knowing that partnerships are the key to success. Below are some creative examples of working partnerships:

Financing Partnership with Utilities. A new program is under development with a local utility company in partnership with a local CDFI. Once finalized, the CDFI will make loans for weatherization and energy work, though customers will apply through the utility company. The loans will be evaluated through an in-house underwriting system (via the CDFI) that includes the customer’s utility payment history and the loan payment will become part of the customer’s monthly utility bill. This strategy will help expand financing options for energy improvements to those with limited credit options, making it easier and more accessible.

Community and Cooperative Solar. Community and cooperative solar projects create an opportunity for consumers to tap into alternative energy at a lower cost. In addition, it decreases risk and cost for the lender and allows them to help more people while maintaining a worthwhile investment. Community solar provides lower energy costs to those who cannot afford upgrades like new heat pumps but come with their own challenges – like not enough subscriptions to cover all who want to participate. HWRC was a silent financial partner and brought grant funding to the solar project, plus made referrals.

Free E-Bikes. HRWC helped support a free E-Bike program through the City of Grand Junction that helped lower income residents living and working in the city to obtain eBikes. HRWC helped secure grant funds, did income certifications and helped with marketing.

Energy Audit Info. Energy audits conducted by HRWC create significant savings for consumers. Visit this resource for more info.

“Our programs show the success of doing many small improvements for collective big gains,” says Executive Director Emilee Powell. “Improving existing homes with simple measures has a huge collective impact.”

Housing Resources of Western Colorado’s successful weatherization program has been in place for over 40 years, with over 7,000 homes served with home energy tests and energy audits. Homeowners experience as much as 35% improvement in efficiency and energy costs.

Remember:

• Support services related to energy work are needed for all income levels
• Renters need help with energy efficiency too
• Energy work can be a source of revenue for the organization
• Options exist for energy improvements that are low cost and high reward – not every upgrade needs to be expensive
• Provide support for contractor’s skill and career development
• Rural areas may have fewer resources and may need additional support
• Home improvement loan programs are an opportunity for funding – do the research and provide details on what’s available in your area