Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs - Building Homes and Strengthening Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2016
Media Contact:
Gordon Anderson 512-475-4743
Public Inquiries: GETCAP: 1-800-621-5746
 

KEY POINTS

  • Regional nonprofit receives energy assistance contract
  • Program weatherizes homes, reduces utility bills
  • Savings directed to other household needs

State housing agency, regional nonprofit to provide energy assistance program in nine East Texas counties

(AUSTIN) — The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (“TDHCA”) has announced that it has contracted with the Greater East Texas Community Action Program (‘GETCAP”) to provide a key energy assistance program to income-eligible residents of nine East Texas counties.

The Nacogdoches-based nonprofit will administer the state housing agency’s Weatherization Assistance Program (“WAP”) in Harrison, Jasper, Newton, Panola, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Tyler, and Upshur counties.

WAP helps low-income households reduce their energy costs through the installation of weatherization materials and minor home repairs, saving more of the household’s income for other necessities. Because the benefits of weatherization can last 15-20 years, the program also has the potential to reduce the household’s dependency on other forms of assistance, leading to greater self-sufficiency.

Weatherization services typically involves caulking; weather-stripping; the addition of ceiling, wall, and floor insulation; patching holes in the building envelope; duct work; and the tune-up, repair, or replacement of inefficient heating and cooling systems.

“TDHCA is pleased to partner with GETCAP and provide this important service which makes such a positive impact on the lives of thousands of Texans each year,” said TDHCA Executive Director Tim Irvine. “GETCAP has the experience and know-how to administer this program, and we are certain its staff will provide timely, quality customer service to their clients in need.”

Households in this nine-county area had been without WAP services since the nonprofit agency previously serving the region relinquished its contract with TDHCA last year.

To qualify for assistance, households cannot earn more than 200 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines, which for a family of four equals an annual income of $48,600, and meet certain program priorities. For more information regarding GETCAP and this program, please contact the agency directly at 1-800-621-5746.

 

About the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is committed to expanding fair housing choice and opportunities for Texans through the administration and funding of affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, weatherization, and community-based services with the help of for-profits, nonprofits, and local governments. For more information about fair housing, funding opportunities, or services in your area, please visit www.tdhca.state.tx.us or the Learn about Fair Housing in Texas page. 

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