The City of Douglas began the Weatherization Program in 2016 to assist elderly city of Douglas residents with weatherizing their homes. Since the development of the program, only a few residents have been able to take advantage of the program. At the October 9, 2023 City Commission meeting, it was approved to amend the requirements to participate in the program with the hopes that more elderly citizens will take advantage of the program.
Amendments to the program lifted the income requirements by eliminating the HUD income limit. The list of eligible items were amended to include interior/exterior doors, windows and/or caulking or sealing existing windows; and expanded the HVAC requirement to add that if the home is a split level home, the applicant can apply for two (2) units. Also, language to define conflict of interest was added. Conflict of interest would be husband, wife, parents, children, siblings or any in-laws of the foregoing or grandparents or grandchildren of any city employee, Mayor or City Commissioner. If there is a conflict, staff will obtain a signed letter of conflict for the grant file.
The Weatherization Program allows adults 55-64 years of age who meet requirements to qualify for a 50% grant and 50% applicant match. It also allows for adults 65 years of age or older who meet the requirement to qualify for a 75% Grant and 25% applicant match program.
If an applicant is within the program age range, the applicant must also meet the below requirements:
- Be a resident of the City of Douglas and a U.S. Citizen, must be the Utility Account holder or listed on the utility accounts.
- Be current on your Utility account and not a participant of the City of Douglas Utility Payment Plan.
- Provide proof of homeownership.
- Occupy structure as the primary residence.
- Provide proof of insurance.
- Allow qualified city staff to conduct an energy audit to determine the needed improvements.
- Must disclose conflict of interest.
Manufactured homes are eligible provided the manufactured home is permanently affixed (made substantially immobile by the use of brick, wood, or masonry underpinning with wheels and axles removed. Rental property is not eligible.
For complete eligibility guidelines, repayment information, and other information regarding the Weatherization Grant Program, please contact the Community Development Department Office at (912) 383-0277, email cmikell@cityofdouglasga.gov or visit www.cityofdouglasga.gov/grants.